JP2014526940A - Golf club head having air gap - Google Patents

Abstract

The golf club head has a body that defines a ball striking face (3008). The body further includes a first leg (3022) extending away from the ball striking surface and a second leg (3024) extending away from the ball striking surface, and a gap (3026) is formed between the first leg and the leg. Defined between the second leg. The body further defines a cover (3004) extending over the gap. The golf club head may further include a support structure and an adjustable weight member.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 526,326 filed on August 23, 2011 and U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 598,832 filed on Feb. 14, 2012, and continues in part thereof. This application further claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 250,051, filed September 30, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference and is incorporated herein by reference. Part.

TECHNICAL FIELD Aspects of the present invention relate generally to golf clubs and golf club heads, and in particular, a portion of the club head is removed or released to reduce or redistribute the weight associated with the club head to improve performance, The present invention relates to a golf club and a golf club head in which a void is created in the club head.

Background Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players: players of different genders and dramatically different ages and / or proficiency levels. Golf club designers have made great advances in the technology incorporated into golf clubs in response to golfers' ever-changing desire to improve performance. In one aspect, golfers tend to be sensitive to the “feel” of a golf club. The “feel” of a golf club includes a combination of the various component parts of the club and various features associated with the club that produce the sensations experienced by the player when aiming and / or hitting the ball. Club weight, weight distribution, swing weight, aerodynamics, swing speed, etc. can all affect the “feel” of the club when swinging and hitting the ball. “Feel” is also known to relate to the sound produced when the club head strikes and moves the ball. If the club head makes an unpleasant, undesirable or alarming sound during a collision, the user can relax, stop his / her swing, decelerate the swing, fail to maintain his or her grip, and / or swing Sometimes the follow-through is not completed, which affects the swing distance, direction, and / or other performance aspects, and the resulting ball movement. The user's expectation of this unpleasant, undesirable or surprising sound can affect the swing even before hitting the ball.

  Golf club performance may also vary based on a number of factors, including weight distribution on the club head that affects the location of the center of gravity of the golf club head. When the center of gravity is located behind the point of engagement on the contact surface, the golf ball follows a generally straight route. However, if the center of gravity is separated from the surface of the engagement point, the golf ball may fly in an unintended direction and / or follow a route that turns left or right, “pull”, “push” , “Draws”, “fades”, “hooks” or “slices”. Similarly, if the center of gravity is spaced above or below the point of engagement, golf ball flight may exhibit a more ball or more elevated trajectory, respectively.

  Also, the weight distribution with respect to the club head may affect the moment of inertia associated with the club head. Thus, modifying the moment of inertia can affect how the golf club works, for example, how the golf club head design affects heel and toe mishits. Similarly, other factors such as the impact point and launch angle can affect how the ball travels when it is hit.

  Club designers are often looking for new ways to distribute or redistribute weights associated with golf clubs and / or golf club heads. For example, club designers often attempt to allocate weights to provide higher club head latitude, improved accuracy, desired flying balls, and the like. Club designers also face the challenge of maintaining a club head with the traditional aesthetic appearance that most golfers desire while pursuing such designs. Certain prior art golf club and golf club head designs exhibit several advantageous features, but still have certain limitations. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide golf clubs and golf club heads having reduced weight characteristics and improved weight distribution across the club head to improve club performance. The present invention is provided to overcome certain limitations and disadvantages of the prior art and to provide new features that were not previously available.

SUMMARY At least some aspects of the present disclosure relate to golf clubs and golf club heads having improved weight distribution with respect to the club head. In one aspect, the golf club utilizes geometric weight features in the form of voids formed in the golf club head. The golf club head may include a cover that extends over the air gap such that the air gap is not visible from the top of the golf club head at the address location. In some examples, the golf club head may include specific support structures that improve the performance characteristics of the golf club head. In some further examples, the golf club head may further include one or more adjustable weight arrangements.

  These and further features and advantages disclosed herein will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of specific embodiments.

1 illustrates an exemplary golf club and golf club head structure of one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates an exemplary golf club and golf club head structure of one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates an exemplary golf club head having a void formed in the back of a golf club head body and a cover, according to one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates an exemplary golf club head having a void formed in the back of a golf club head body and a cover, according to one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates an exemplary golf club head having a void formed in the back of a golf club head body and a cover, according to one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates an exemplary golf club head body of one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates an exemplary golf club head body of one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates an exemplary golf club head body of one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates an exemplary golf club head body of one or more aspects described herein. 4A and 4B illustrate another exemplary golf club head body in one or more aspects described herein. 5A and 5B illustrate a golf club head cover used in the golf club head body of FIGS. 3A-4B in one or more aspects described herein. 6A and 6B illustrate another golf club head body and cover arrangement for one or more aspects described herein. 7A and 7B illustrate yet another golf club head body and cover arrangement for one or more aspects described herein. 6 illustrates yet another golf club head body and cover arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. 6 illustrates yet another golf club head body and cover arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. 6 illustrates yet another golf club head body and cover arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. 6 illustrates yet another golf club head body and cover arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. 9A and 9B illustrate another golf club head body and cover arrangement for one or more aspects described herein. 10A and 10B illustrate another golf club head body and cover arrangement with a sensor in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates a golf club head arrangement with removable inserts according to one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates a golf club head arrangement having a void arrangement formed in a rear portion of a club head body and including a weight arrangement according to one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates a golf club head arrangement having a void arrangement formed in a rear portion of a club head body and including a weight arrangement according to one or more aspects described herein. 1 illustrates a golf club head arrangement having a void arrangement formed in a rear portion of a club head body and including a weight arrangement according to one or more aspects described herein. 13A and 13B illustrate another golf club head arrangement with a void arrangement and a weight arrangement in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. 6 illustrates another golf club head arrangement having a gap in the rear of the golf club head body and an adjustable weight arrangement according to one or more aspects described herein. 6 illustrates another golf club head arrangement having a gap in the rear of the golf club head body and an adjustable weight arrangement according to one or more aspects described herein. 6 illustrates another golf club head arrangement having a gap in the rear of the golf club head body and an adjustable weight arrangement according to one or more aspects described herein. 15A and 15B illustrate another golf club head having a gap and an adjustable weight arrangement in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 10 illustrates another golf club head having a gap in the club head body and an adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 6 illustrates yet another golf club head arrangement having a gap in the club head body and an adjustable weight arrangement according to one or more aspects described herein. 6 illustrates yet another golf club head arrangement having a gap in the club head body and an adjustable weight arrangement according to one or more aspects described herein. 6 illustrates another golf club head arrangement with adjustable weights according to one or more aspects described herein. 19A and 19B illustrate an exemplary golf club head having an adjustable weight arrangement in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 6 illustrates yet another golf club head and adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates yet another golf club head and adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates yet another golf club head having an adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates yet another golf club head and adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates another golf club head and adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates another golf club head and adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates another golf club head and adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. FIGS. 24A, 24B illustrate yet another golf club head and adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate yet another golf club head and adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 6 illustrates yet another golf club head and adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate yet another golf club head and adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 6 illustrates yet another golf club head and adjustable weight arrangement of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 2 illustrates another golf club head of one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 30 is a plan view of the golf club head shown in FIG. 29. FIG. 30 is a side view of the golf club head of FIG. 29. FIG. 30 is a side view of the opposite side of the golf club head of FIG. 29. FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 29. FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the golf club head of FIG. 29. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 29 taken generally along line 35-35 of FIG. 30. FIG. 30 is a further cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 29. FIG. 30 is a further cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 29. 30 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of a golf club head similar to the golf club head of FIG. 29, according to one or more aspects described herein. 30 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of a golf club head similar to the golf club head of FIG. 29, according to one or more aspects described herein. 30 illustrates a further alternative embodiment of a golf club head similar to the golf club head of FIG. 29, according to one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 30 illustrates another golf club head similar to the golf club head illustrated in FIG. 29, in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. FIG. 40 is a side view of the golf club head of FIG. 39. FIG. 40 is a side view of the opposite side of the golf club head of FIG. 39. 40 is a bottom perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 39. FIG. FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the golf club head of FIG. 29. FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 39 taken generally along line 44-44 of FIG.

  The figures referred to above are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are to be understood as providing representations of particular aspects of the invention, which are conceptual in nature and illustrate the principles involved. It's just what you do. Some features of the golf club and golf club head structure shown in the drawings have been expanded or distorted relative to other features for ease of explanation and understanding. In certain instances, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. The golf clubs and golf club head structures described herein may have configurations and components that are determined in part by the intended application and environment in which they are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description of various exemplary structures of the present invention, various exemplary articles that form part of this specification and that include one or more golf club structures or golf club head structures are illustrated. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings shown as: Furthermore, it will be appreciated that other specific arrangements of parts and structures may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, in the present specification, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “back”, “side”, “bottom” are used to describe various exemplary features and elements of the present invention. ”,“ Overhead ”may be used, but these terms are used herein for convenience based on, for example, the exemplary orientation shown in the figures and / or orientation in normal use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional or spatial orientation of the structure in order to fall within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention is generally described as relating to wood-type golf clubs. In particular, in an exemplary embodiment, the club head disclosed herein is a driver and a fairway wood. However, aspects of the present invention can be used with any of several types of golf clubs, including hybrid type golf clubs, utility clubs, putters, etc., and any description in this specification or drawings may It should not be construed as limiting the invention to use with type golf clubs.

  FIG. 1 generally illustrates an exemplary golf club 100 and / or golf club head 102 of the present invention. The entire golf club structure 100 of this example includes, in addition to the golf club head 102, a hosel 104, a shaft 106 housed in and / or inserted into and / or through the hosel 104, and the shaft 106. And a grip or handle 108 to be attached. In some cases, if desired, the outer hosel 104 can be removed, and the shaft 106 can be directly inserted into the head 102 and / or otherwise attached (eg, through an opening in the top of the club head 102). Or through an internal hosel (eg, provided in an internal chamber defined by the club head 102)). The hosel 104 may be considered an integral part of the golf club head 102 or may be a separate structure that is attached to the golf club head 102.

  The shaft 106 is received and engaged in the club head 102 and / or in any suitable or desired manner, including conventional ways known and used in the art, without departing from the invention. Can be attached. As a more specific example, the shaft 106 can be engaged with the club head 102 via the hosel 104 and / or, for example, adhesive, cement, welding, soldering, mechanical connectors (threads Directly attached to the club head structure 102, such as through a releasable and adjustable member or connector, or through a shaft receiving sleeve or element that extends into the body of the club head 102, etc. be able to. The shaft 106 is also known in the art, such as graphite-based materials, composite materials or other non-metallic materials, steel materials (including stainless steel), aluminum materials, other metal alloy materials, polymer materials, combinations of various materials, etc. Can be made from any suitable or desired material, including conventional materials used and used. Also, in any suitable or desired manner known in the art, including the conventional manner used, such as using adhesives or cement, or via welding, soldering, adhesives, etc. The grip or handle 108 can be attached to, engaged with and / or extended from the shaft 106, such as via a mechanical connector (such as threads, retaining elements, etc.). As another example, if desired, the grip or handle 108 can be integrally formed with the shaft 106 in a single piece configuration. Furthermore, any desired grip or material including, for example, rubber material, leather material, rubber material or other material, including string material or other fabric material embedded therein, polymer material, etc., without departing from the invention A material for the handle 108 can be used.

  The club head 102 itself may also be conventional, as known and used in the art, for example, in any suitable or desirable manner and / or from any suitable or desirable material without departing from the invention. It can be constructed from materials and / or in a conventional manner. For example, in the exemplary club head 102 shown in FIG. 1, the club head 102 includes a front surface 102a, and the front surface is a ball striking surface 102b (with the ball striking surface 102a so that the ball striking surface plate and frame together form the entire ball striking surface 102a. And optionally including a ball striking face plate that is integrally formed or attached to the club head. The front surface 102a can be considered as a hitting surface 102a. Club head 102 may further include an upper or crown 102c, a sole 102d, a toe 107 and a heel 109. Club head 102 may include a rear portion 111 (FIG. 1B).

  A wide variety of overall club head configurations are possible without departing from the invention. For example, if desired, some or all of the various individual parts of the club head 102 described above can be connected together (eg, by welding, adhesives or other fusion techniques, mechanical connectors, etc.) Can be made from pieces. A variety of parts (e.g. crown, sole, front, rear) from any desired material and combinations of different materials, including materials used and known in the art, such as metal materials including lightweight metal materials Etc.) can be produced. More specific examples of suitable lightweight metal materials include steel, titanium and titanium alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys, magnesium and magnesium alloys, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, various parts of the club head can be formed from one or more composites. Injection molded parts are also possible. The club head 102 can also be made by forging, casting, or other desired processes conventionally known in the art and including the club head forming process used. Further, the golf club head 102 may be formed in a single integral piece.

  The various individual parts that make up the club head structure 102, when made from a plurality of pieces, are connected to each other in any suitable or desirable manner, including conventional ways known and used in the art. They can be engaged and / or held together. For example, various parts of the club head structure 102, such as the front face 102a, the ball striking face 102b, the upper part 102c, the sole 102d, can be glued, cemented, welded, soldered or other bonding or finishing techniques (threads, screws, They can be joined and / or secured together (directly or indirectly via an intermediate member) such as by mechanical connectors (such as nuts, bolts or other connectors). If desired, the mating edges of the various parts of the club head structure 102 may be provided with corresponding grooves, slots, surfaces, ledges, openings or other structures provided in or on the opposite side edges to which they are joined. It may include one or more raised ribs, tabs, ledges or other engaging elements that are fitted in or on. Cement, adhesives, mechanical connectors, finishing materials, etc. used in combination with the raised ribs / grooves / ledges / edges or other connecting structures described above to secure the various parts of the club head structure 102 together Can help further.

  The dimensions and / or other characteristics of example golf club head structures of the present invention may vary significantly without departing from the present invention, and the dimensions are generally the same for similar club heads and clubs in the art. It may coincide with the dimensions used.

  Several aspects of golf club heads are disclosed herein. It will be appreciated that the descriptions of the club head and various components described above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B apply to other aspects described herein. It will be appreciated that several different aspects can utilize geometric weighting features. Geometric weighting features can provide reduced head weights and / or redistributed weights to achieve the desired performance. For example, more weight may be placed toward the heel and toe rear ends of the club head. In various aspects disclosed herein, a golf club head can have a body having spaced apart legs that have a gap, space or gap between the legs. Define. The club head herein may be considered partially removed to define a void, space or gap. The body can include a cover, which is positioned over the gap and / or the leg and can be an integral component of the body or can be separately attached. For certain embodiments, additional support members and / or weight assemblies may be utilized.

  2A-2C illustrate one exemplary golf club head of at least some aspects of the present invention. The golf club head is generally assigned the reference number 200. Golf club head 200 generally includes a golf club head body 202 and a cover 250. As will be described in greater detail below, the body 202 has several structures and defines various surfaces. The golf club head 102 is formed by connecting the cover 250 to the body 202. It will be appreciated that the body 202 and cover 250 may be similarly formed as a unitary structure, as described herein.

  As further shown in FIG. 2A, the golf club head body 202 further includes and defines a front portion 210, a rear portion 212, a top portion 214, a toe 216, a heel 218 and a sole (not shown in FIGS. 2A-2C). The front portion 210 generally defines a ball striking face. The ball striking surface can take a variety of forms, and in an exemplary embodiment, a variable face thickness design, eg, U.S. patent application, incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. The design disclosed in 13 / 211,961 can be used. The ball striking surface may further have a certain thickness. It will further be appreciated that the ball striking face 210 can be separately connected to the golf club head body 202, for example in a welding process. Golf club head 200 may include geometric weighting features in several arrangements. In one exemplary embodiment, the club head 200 has a void 230, gap or space generally formed in the rear portion 212 of the golf club head body 202. The gap 230 may be substantially V-shaped in some examples and may extend completely through the golf club head 200 (eg, from the top 214 to the sole). The golf club head body 202 further includes a base portion 220 and a first leg portion 222 and a second leg portion 224. The first leg 222 extends away from the front portion 210 or the ball striking surface 210, and the second leg 224 extends away from the ball striking surface 210. A gap 230 is defined between the first leg 222 and the second leg 224. The gap 230 is open at the rear of the golf club head. The body 202 can form a hosel at the heel 218 of the body 202. It will be appreciated that various structures of the body 202 can define an internal cavity having an internal volume.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the gap 230 may extend inwardly from the trailing edge 212a of the golf club head 200, toward the center or central region of the golf club head 200, and toward the ball striking face 210. The air gap 230 may be wider near the trailing edge 212a of the golf club head than near the center of the golf club head 200, thereby forming a V-shape. The air gap 230 formed in the golf club head 200 can reduce the overall weight associated with the golf club head, redistribute the weight of the club, and can help adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head 200. In some examples, the first leg 222 defines a first side 207 and the second leg defines a second side 209. Sides 207, 209 are generally face to face. The sides 207, 209 of the V-shaped gap 230 can be generally straight. That is, the side surfaces 207, 209 can provide a generally flat surface. It will be appreciated that the sides 207, 209 may further be non-linear and define an intermittent or non-planar surface. As further shown in FIG. 2A, when the gap 230 is V-shaped, the legs 222, 224 and the side surfaces 207, 209 gather at the boundary area 226 toward the ball striking face 210. The boundary area 226 may be located at or close to the central area of the club head 200, and this position may vary as described further herein. As will be described in more detail below, the side surfaces 207, 209 and the boundary area 226 provide specific performance enhancing structures associated with them, the inner surface in the internal cavity defined by the club head body 202, and the side surfaces 207, 209. It can have on the outer surface of. As will also be described in more detail below, legs 222, 224 and boundary area 226 have movable weight assemblies operatively associated therewith to further improve the performance performance of golf club head 200. sell. Also, the thickness of the material forming the golf club head body, including the material making up the legs, can vary as desired. Also, the volume of the internal cavity including the volume of the legs may be filled with a filling material if desired.

  In some examples, the golf club head 200 can be formed as a single piece. For example, the front 210, rear 212, top 214, toe 216, heel 218 and sole can be a single piece unit. The golf club head 200 can be formed using known manufacturing methods such as casting, molding, forging, and various combinations thereof. Therefore, the golf club head body 202 can be cast from a metal material such as titanium. The void 230 may be formed in the golf club head during the initial manufacturing process (eg, during casting) of the golf club head, or may be formed in the golf club head 200 using a further process (eg, by cutting). .

  In some arrangements, a recess 203 may be formed in the upper portion 214 of the golf club head body 202. The recess 203 may form a ridge or lip 205 around or substantially around the golf club head 200. The depth of the recess may vary and can be 0.1-0.3 inches deep. Recess 203 can be configured to accommodate a cover, such as cover 250, described more fully below. Furthermore, in an example in which the recess 203 is configured to accommodate the cover 250, the recess 203 can be shaped to correspond to the cover 250.

  As mentioned above and as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the golf club head 200 further includes a cover 250. In some examples, the cover 250 may include the air gap 230 when the golf club head 200 is in use, particularly when the golf club head 200 is in the address position and the golfer stands above the golf club head 200. The golf club head body 202 can be covered with the rear portion 212 or a portion of the rear portion 212 so that the portion is not visible. That is, when the cover 250 is in place, the golf club head 200 has the same appearance as a conventional golf club head that does not include the gap 230 in the rear portion 212 of the golf club head 200. However, performance benefits (eg, reduced weights, redistributed weights, etc.) will be provided. In some examples, the cover 250 may be positioned on the top of the golf club head body 202 such that the air gap 230 is visible when the golf club head 200 is viewed from the sole, but the air gap 230 is obstructed from view when viewed from the top of the club 200. Can extend over 214. Additionally or alternatively, the cover 250 may extend over the entire rear portion 212 of the golf club head 200 so that the air gap is not visible when the golf club head is viewed from any corner, and the top and sole of the golf club head. May be covered.

  In some arrangements, the cover 250 can be received in a recess 203 formed in the upper portion 214 of the golf club head 200. In some examples, the depth and / or shape of the recess 203 can correspond to the thickness and / or shape of the cover 250. For example, when the cover 250 is installed on the golf club head 200, the upper surface of the cover 250 can be flush with the top of the ridge or lip 205 formed by the recess 203.

  Cover 250 may be formed of any suitable material such as a light metal, alloy, composite, plastic, or the like. The polymer-based cover 250 may further include a nano-coating for applying a metal mold finish or for applying some other treatment that provides such an appearance. The cover 250 can be connected to the golf club head using known connection methods including mechanical fasteners, snap fits, screws, adhesives, friction fits, and the like. In some examples, the cover 250 can be connected to the golf club head 200 by a friction fit with a ridge or lip 205 formed by a recess 203 in the upper portion 214 of the golf club head 200.

  In some arrangements, the cover 250 can be removable and / or replaceable with other covers. For example, FIG. 2A shows the golf club head 200 with the cover 250 removed. 2B shows the golf club head 200 with the cover 250 partially in place, while FIG. 2C shows the golf club head 200 with the cover 250 in place along the top of the golf club head 200. . Cover 250 generally forms the crown of golf club head 200. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the gap 230 is not visible from the top 214 of the golf club head 200 when the cover 250 is in place. That is, at the address location, the user will not be able to see the gap 230 formed in the golf club head 200. Rather, the golf club head 200 will have the appearance of a conventional golf club head. As shown in FIG. 2C, the golf club head 200 has the same appearance as a conventional golf club head when viewed from the top where the cover 250 is in place.

  In some arrangements, the cover 250 may be interchangeable with other covers having different performance characteristics. For example, the cover can be replaced with another cover having different weighting characteristics. The alternative cover may further have different aesthetic properties and may incorporate different training guides.

  3A-3D illustrate another golf club head arrangement for a golf club head 300 having a golf club head body and a cover that may be considered a part of the club head body. The golf club head 300 has a gap 302 formed in the rear portion 312 of the golf club head 300. Similar to the golf club head 200 of FIGS. 2A-2C, the golf club head 300 includes a front portion, a rear portion, a top portion, a sole, a toe and a heel. The golf club head 300 further includes a pair of spaced apart legs that define geometric weighting features in the form of voids 302 formed in the rear 312 of the golf club head 300. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in some examples, the air gap 302 may be substantially V-shaped. The gap 302 may have other shapes as desired. For example, voids such as squares, rectangles and triangles may be used without departing from the invention.

  The upper portion of the golf club head body may include a plurality of inclined surfaces 320a-320c. In some examples, the inclined surfaces 320a-320c can be generally planar and can extend downward from the upper edge 321 of the front of the golf club head 300 to the upper edge 323 of the V-shaped gap 302. That is, the upper part of the golf club head 300 can be gradually inclined downward from the upper edge 321 of the front part of the golf club head to the upper edge 323 of the gap. In some examples, the upper portion may be formed of a plurality of inclined surfaces 320a-320c. For example, FIG. 3A shows three inclined surfaces 320a-320c that extend downward from the top of the golf club head to the sole. The three ramps may extend in different directions (eg, from front to back, toe to heel, heel to toe, etc.) to form the top surface of golf club head 300.

  The inclined surfaces 320a-320c forming the top of the golf club head 300 further assist in reducing and / or redistributing weights associated with the golf club head to adjust the center of gravity of the golf club head 300. sell. That is, the ramps 320a-320c allow for the removal of additional material that would form a conventional golf club head. Additional material may move the center of gravity upward by adding additional weight to the upper portion of the golf club head, which may be undesirable. Therefore, providing the inclined surfaces 320a to 320c helps to move the center of gravity downward toward the sole of the golf club head 300. It will be further understood that the legs of the club head body can be sized differently, where the surface area of the ramp is also different. Such differences in the legs can further adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club.

  Further, the air gap 302 can extend completely from the top of the body to the golf club head sole, completely behind the golf club head. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the gap 302 may extend inwardly from the trailing edge of the golf club head toward the central portion of the golf club head, with the gap closer to the trailing edge than near the center of the golf club head. It will be appreciated that the legs may be wider and the legs gather in the border area.

  Similar to the arrangement described above, the golf club head 300 can further include a cover 350 that can be received on the upper surface of the golf club head 300. 3C and 3D show the golf club head with the cover 350 in place. Similar to the arrangement described above, the cover 350 can be received in a recess 303 formed in the upper portion of the body of the golf club head 300. In some examples, the cover 350 may extend on one or more outer surfaces of the golf club head 300, as shown in FIG. 3C.

  The cover 350 can be connected to the golf club head using known connection methods such as mechanical fasteners, adhesives, friction fits, snap fits and the like. Further, the cover 350 may be formed of a known material such as plastic, composite material, metal or the like.

  Similar to the arrangement described above, the cover may hide the inclined surfaces 320a-320c on the top of the golf club head 300 and the V-shaped gap 302. Thus, when viewed from the top or at the address location, the golf club head 300 may have the appearance of a conventional golf club head when the cover 350 is installed.

  4A and 4B illustrate another exemplary golf club head according to one or more aspects described herein. Golf club head 400 may include a recessed region 403 at the rear of golf club head 400. The recesses 403 can help reduce the overall weight associated with the golf club by reducing the weight near the top of the golf club head and can help move the center of gravity lower on the golf club head. The recessed area 403 can be formed by the side wall 420. The sidewall 420 may extend downward from the top of the golf club head toward the sole of the golf club head and may be substantially vertical. In some examples, the at least one sidewall may be substantially parallel to the front of the golf club head or generally parallel to the ball striking surface. In other examples, the sidewall 420 can be inclined.

  Golf club head 400 may further include geometric weighting features in the form of voids 402 formed in the lower surface of recessed area 403. In some examples, the air gap 402 may be substantially V-shaped, which can help reduce the weight associated with the golf club head or further redistribute the weight toward the back of the heel and toe. Sometimes. The air gap 402 may extend inward from the trailing edge of the golf club head toward the center of the golf club head. In some examples, the air gap may extend completely to the rear of the golf club head (eg, from the lower surface of the recessed area to the sole of the golf club head) and the trailing edge of the golf club head rather than the center of the golf club head Can be wider near. In some arrangements, the voids can include substantially planar sides.

  Similar to the arrangements described above, the arrangement of the golf club head 400 can help reduce the overall weight associated with the golf club head and / or redistribute the weight, and can improve the performance characteristics of the golf club head. Can be modified. However, the golf club head 400 may not look like a conventional golf club head, which may distract the player and may not meet one or more of the golf club design requirements. is there. Accordingly, a cover can be provided so that the appearance of a conventional golf club head is shown while still providing the performance advantages of a golf club head having a void as described above.

  5A and 5B show a golf club head 400 that includes a cover 550 that extends over at least a portion of the rear of the golf club to show the appearance of a conventional golf club head. The cover arrangement of FIGS. 5A and 5B may be used with other golf club heads described herein (such as golf club head 200, golf club head 300 and other embodiments). The cover 550 may extend over the top of the golf club head 400 so as to provide a conventional golf club head appearance while hiding the voids and / or recessed areas of the golf club head. The cover 550 can be connected to the golf club head 300 or 400 using known connection methods such as mechanical fasteners, snap fits, friction fits, adhesives, and the like.

  In some arrangements, the cover 550 can extend over the top edge of the golf club head and along the sides of the golf club head, as shown in FIG. 5B. Accordingly, the cover 550 can include a depending perimeter skirt 551. This can help to give the golf club head a traditional appearance. The golf club head cover 550 may cover the entire rear portion of the golf club head 400 (eg, from the toe to the heel and on the sole of the golf club head so that the air gap is not visible when viewed from all angles of the golf club head. Can extend over). Alternatively, the cover 550 may be positioned over the top of the golf club head (eg, golf) so that the void 402 and / or recessed area is not visible when the golf club head 400 is viewed from the top (eg, at an address location). It can extend along the top of the club head from rear to front and from toe to heel. However, in this arrangement, the air gap may still be visible when the golf club head is viewed from the bottom or sole.

  FIGS. 6A and 6B show that the cover 650 can be seen when the air gap 602 formed in the golf club head 600 is not visible when viewed from the top of the golf club head, but when viewed from the bottom or sole. One arrangement is shown extending above the top of. FIG. 6A shows the sole 615 of the golf club head 600. As shown, the golf club head 600 includes a substantially V-shaped gap 602 that is formed at the rear of the golf club head 600 and generally from the trailing edge of the golf club head 600 to the center of the golf club head 600. Extends inward toward. The air gap 602 can be similar to other air gaps described herein. The air gap 602 is visible when the golf club head 600 is viewed from the bottom or the sole. However, as shown in FIG. 6B, when viewed from above, the golf club head has the appearance of a conventional golf club head.

  The cover 650 of FIGS. 6A and 6B may generally cover the top of the golf club head 600 and (as in some of the arrangements described above) a portion of the golf club head to cover a portion of the golf club head side. You may wrap up the upper part. Accordingly, the cover 650 may have a depending skirt 651.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B show a golf club head 700 having a cover 750 (similar to the golf club head 600 of FIG. 6A), which extends over the top surface of the golf club, but covers a portion of the side of the golf club head. Don't wrap it around. Accordingly, the air gap 702 formed in the golf club head is visible from the sole of the golf club head 700 but is not visible from the top of the golf club head 700. 7A and 7B, the bottom surface of cover 750 is visible from the sole of golf club head 700 (eg, through gap 702).

  In some examples, the cover 750 can be received in a recess formed in the top of the golf club head (similar to the recess 203 of FIG. 2). Further, the recess may have a depth and / or shape that corresponds to the thickness and / or shape of the cover 750 such that the upper surface of the cover 750 may be recessed in the golf club head 700. Is flush with the top of the lip or ridge formed by.

  8A-8D illustrate another exemplary golf club head of one or more aspects described herein. The golf club head 800 can include a gap 802, which is located at the rear of the golf club head and extends from the top of the golf club head to the sole (similar to the arrangement above). The air gap 802 may extend inwardly from the trailing edge 804 of the golf club head toward the center or central region 806 of the golf club head and may be substantially V-shaped. In some examples, the air gap 802 can have other shapes, such as substantially square, rectangular, triangular, etc. Similar to the arrangement described above, the air gap may have a width at the rear 804 of the golf club head 800 that is greater than the width near the central region 806. That is, the gap 802 can become narrower as it extends from the rear 804 to the central region 806 to form a V-shape. In some examples, the air gap 802 may have a generally planar side surface that forms the smooth and substantially flat inner surface of the air gap 802, and is V-shaped near the central area 806, which may be referred to as the boundary area. The base portion may include a generally curved portion.

  Similar to the arrangement described above, the golf club head 800 may include a cover 850 configured to prevent the air gap or a portion of the air gap from being seen when the golf club head 800 is viewed from above (eg, at an address location). FIG. 8B shows a top view of the golf club head 800 having a cover 850 disposed along the top of the golf club head 800 so as to cover the air gap 802. In the illustrated arrangement, the cover 850 may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the gap 802, and in some examples may be connected to the golf club head 800 to cover only the gap 802. That is, the cover 850 can only cover the air gap 802 and cannot cover any part of the rear of the golf club head 800 (can other covers described herein still cover only the air gap? Or other parts such as the back, sides, etc. of the golf club head). FIG. 8C shows the cover 850 partially removed from the golf club head 800. The cover 850 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the gap 802 to fit over the top of the golf club head 800 and cover the gap 802 along the top of the golf club head. The cover may be connected to the golf club head 800 using known attachment methods such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners, snap fits, friction fits and the like. In some examples, the cover can slide into a slot disposed along the upper portion of the generally planar sidewall of the air gap 802. The slot can provide a friction fit to secure the cover 850 to the golf club head 800 and / or can include additional fasteners.

  FIG. 8D shows the golf club head 800 from the bottom or sole. When the golf club head 800 is viewed from this side, the air gap 802 is visible, and the lower surface of the cover 850 is also visible. In some examples, the cover 850 can be removable and / or replaceable with other covers having different performance characteristics. It will be appreciated that in further alternative embodiments, additional structures may be part of or associated with the cover 850 to provide the desired characteristics of the club head.

  9A and 9B illustrate yet another golf club head arrangement in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. 9A shows a toe side perspective view of a golf club head 900 having a cover 950, while FIG. 9B shows a toe side perspective view of the golf club head 900 of FIG. 9A with the cover 950 removed showing the club head body. Indicates.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the golf club head 900 may include an open rear arrangement with the top of the rear and a portion of the side removed. That is, the rear portion of the golf club head 900 can include a substantially planar portion 908 located near the bottom or sole of the golf club head 900. In some arrangements, the substantially planar portion 908 can be the sole of a golf club head. The rear portion of the golf club head 900 may further include a plurality of side surfaces 915a-915c that extend from the top of the base portion of the body of the golf club head 900 to a substantially planar lower portion 908. In some examples, the sides 915a-915c can be substantially vertical. Further, one or more of the side surfaces 915a-915c can be inclined with respect to another side surface 915a-915c (eg, side surface 915a is inclined with respect to 915b and side surface 915c is inclined with respect to 915b). )

  This open rear arrangement can help reduce the weight associated with the golf club head and can help reduce the center of gravity of the golf club head 900. Furthermore, more weight can be distributed behind the heel and toe of the club head.

  In some examples, the golf club head 900 can further include a void 902 formed in the substantially planar lower portion 908 of the golf club head 900. Similar to the arrangement described above, the air gap 902 may be substantially V-shaped in some examples, and is inward from the trailing edge 904 of the golf club head toward the center or central region 906 of the golf club head. You may extend in the direction. Such geometric weighting features help distribute the weight behind the heel and toe of the club head.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the golf club head 900 may include a cover 950. The cover 950 may extend over a substantially open rear arrangement of the golf club head 900 so as to give the appearance of a conventional golf club head when the golf club head 900 is viewed from above. In some arrangements, the portion 952 of the cover 950 can extend over a portion of the side of the golf club head 900. This can help maintain the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf club head 900 and also help provide the appearance of a conventional golf club head. In some examples, a gap 954 may be formed between the golf club head cover 950 and the lower or sole 908. This gap 954 can further reduce the overall weight associated with the golf club head 900.

  10A and 10B illustrate another golf club head arrangement in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. The golf club head 1000 of FIG. 10A can include one or more sensors 1020a disposed within the golf club head. In some examples, the sensor 1020a may be disposed with a gap formed in the back of the golf club head and / or connected to a cover 1050a that covers a portion of the gap. In particular, the lower surface of the club head cover has an opening for receiving the sensor. The opening is dimensioned to match the size of the sensor 1020a housed in the opening. The sensor 1020a may be secured in the opening with an interference fit or a friction fit, and other mechanical fastening mechanisms may be utilized. Sensor 1020a can record and / or send performance data to a computing device (not shown). For example, the sensor 1020a can detect performance data, such as swing speed, and send that data to the computing device, and the user can access the computing device to track various performance characteristics. Data can be transmitted wirelessly using known data transmission methods, or in some examples, sensor 1020a can be removed and connected to a computing device, for example, via a USB port. As can be appreciated from FIG. 10A, sensor 1020a is accessible through the air gap from the sole of the club head.

  In some examples, the cover or a portion thereof can be removed to access the sensor 1020a. For example, FIG. 10B shows a golf club head 1000b, which may also include a sensor 1020b connected thereto (eg, to cover 1050b) for tracking and / or transmitting performance data. Cover 1050b is shown partially removed from golf club head 1000b to indicate that sensor 1020a can be accessed, removed, etc. as desired.

  In some arrangements, the golf club head described above and the golf club head described below can include one or more weights, weight assemblies, weight mechanisms, or weighting features. As will be described more fully below, the weighting features can be removable, adjustable, and the like. The weighting features described herein can be used with any golf club head described herein, either alone or in combination with other weighting features described herein. This weighting feature is not limited to the golf club head described therewith.

  FIG. 11 illustrates another exemplary golf club head in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. Golf club head 1100 may include one or more recesses formed in the sole of golf club head 1100. One or more inserts 1130 can be inserted into the recesses. The insert 1130 can be removable and / or interchangeable with other inserts to adjust one or more performance characteristics of the golf club head 1100. For example, the insert 1130 can have different properties to adjust the moment of inertia or center of gravity of the golf club head 1100. The insert 1130 can be formed of any suitable material such as a light metal, metal alloy, composite material, plastic, and the like. In some arrangements, the insert 1130 can slide into the recess and be held in place by friction. Additionally or alternatively, the insert 1130 can be connected to the golf club head 1100 by one or more screws, or mechanical fasteners, snap fits, adhesives, and the like.

  In some examples, the insert 1130 can have different weighting characteristics to adjust the performance of the golf club head 1100. The inserts 1130 can have the same weight or different weights. In yet another example, the insert 1130 can be removably connected to the golf club head to allow replacement of the insert with an insert having different weighting characteristics or other characteristics.

  12A-12C illustrate another exemplary golf club head of one or more aspects described herein. The golf club head 1200 can include an arrangement similar to that described above, with a gap 1202 formed in the rear of the golf club head. Further, the golf club head 1200 can include one or more weights 1240 disposed within the golf club head 1200. The weight can be provided to adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head 1200. For example, the weight 1240 can adjust the center of gravity, moment of inertia, etc. of the golf club head 1200. In some arrangements, the weights can be removable and / or interchangeable with other weights to adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head 1200. That is, the open air gap 1202 provided at the rear of the golf club head 1200 may allow access to the weight 1240 (as shown in FIG. 12B). Accordingly, the weight 1240 can be removed from the golf club head 1200 and / or replaced with another weight member.

  In some examples, weights 1240a and 1240b may have different weight characteristics. For example, the weight 1240a may be lighter than the weight 1240b to adjust the center of gravity of the golf club head lower on the head 1200. Also, the weights 1240a and 1240b can be exchanged to adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head 1200, or these weights can be replaced with other weight members to further adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head 1200 (see FIG. (Not shown in 12A-12C). As can be appreciated from FIGS. 12B and 12C, the weight port may be located in an area of the club head that is generally not possible with a traditional club head. Because of the structure that defines the air gap in the club head, the weight port is more easily accessible.

  FIGS. 13A and 13B show another golf club head arrangement having a gap 1302 formed in the rear of the golf club head and one or more weights 1340. FIG. Similar to the arrangement described above, the gap 1302 may be substantially V-shaped and may have other shapes as described above. The weight 1340 can be adjustable, removable, replaceable, replaceable, etc., and in some examples can be accessed through a gap 1302 formed in the back of the golf club head 1300. For example, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the weight 1340b can be accessed from the boundary area or the base of the air gap (eg, the bottom of the V shape). The weights 1340a, 1340b can be connected to the golf club head using mechanical fasteners, adhesives, snap fits, and the like. In some examples, the weight 1340 can be connected to the golf club head 1300 by a screw. Accordingly, the screw can be accessed via the gap 1302 to remove the weight 1340b and removed.

  Further, the gap 1302 may include a gap 1317 through which the weight 1340a is accessible. Accordingly, a screw or other fastener connecting weight 1340a can be removed through gap 1317, and the weight can be adjusted, removed, replaced, and the like.

  Similar to the arrangements described above with respect to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the weights 1340a and 1340b may have different weights or weight characteristics to adjust the performance of the golf club head 1300. The weight can be formed of any suitable material.

  14A-14C illustrate another golf club head arrangement for one or more aspects described herein. Golf club head 1400 may include a void 1402 formed in the rear portion of golf club head 1400. Further, the golf club head 1400 can include a weight 1440 disposed at the rear of the golf club head 1400. In some examples, the weight 1440 may have two side surfaces 1440a, 1440b, each having different properties. For example, one side 1440a of the weight 1440 may be heavier than the second side 1440b of the weight 1440. This difference in weight characteristics may be due to the different materials used in forming the weight 1440, the density of the materials used, etc. The movable weight 1440 can modify the performance characteristics of the golf club head.

  Additionally or alternatively, the structure of each side can be different. For example, as shown in FIG. 14C, one side 1440b of the weight can be hollow to reduce the weight associated with that side, while the other side 1440a can be solid to be heavier.

  The weight can be removably connected to the golf club head, such as via screws or other mechanical fasteners. That is, the user can access the fasteners of the weight 1440 via the gap 1402 in the rear of the golf club head 1400 to remove, adjust, etc. the weight 1440. To adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head, the weight 1440 can be removed from the golf club head 1400, and the user can rotate or flip the weight 1440 to connect in different configurations. That is, adjusting weight 1440 adjusts weight characteristics (and hence performance characteristics) from high to low or from top to sole (eg, adjusting the center of gravity of golf club head 1400 higher or lower on golf club head 1400) )be able to.

  FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate another example of an adjustable weight arrangement in which the golf club head 1500 may have an adjustable and removable weight 1540, for example. In the illustrated arrangement, the weight 1540 can also have two sides or ends, each having different weighting characteristics that allow the performance characteristics of the golf club head 1500 to be adjusted by adjusting the weight 1540. Have. As shown in FIG. 15B, the weights can be connected at two points in this arrangement rather than at one point as shown in FIGS. However, a single connection point may be used in this arrangement without departing from the invention.

  Similar to the arrangement described above, the weight 1540 can be substantially V-shaped (as shown in FIG. 15B) and can extend over the base portion of the gap 1502. At the boundary area in the gap 1502, the club head body may have a protrusion 1510 that extends away from the ball striking surface and toward or into the gap 1502. As shown in FIG. 15B, the weight 1540 defines a cavity dimensioned to receive the protrusion 1510. When secured, the weight 1540 is fitted and fitted around the protrusion 1510. The weight 1540 can include a plurality of ends having characteristics such as different weight characteristics. For example, one end 1540a may be heavier than the other end 1540b. This may be due to weights, or in some instances, differences in the materials used to build the end 1540a, 1540b structure. For example, one end, for example, end 1540a may be thicker than the other end 1540b. By adding material thickness, additional weights can be obtained that can be used to adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head 1500. Ends 1540a, 1540b may support additional weight elements thereon. As can be appreciated from FIG. 15B, the weight 1540 can be rotated or adjusted so that the relatively heavy end of the weight 1540 is located toward the crown of the club head 1500 or toward the sole.

  Similar to the arrangement of FIGS. 14A-14C, to adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head, the weight can be accessed through the gap 1502, and the weight can be removed and replaced in an alternative configuration (second The configuration with the side of the lower side versus the configuration with the second side on the upper side, etc.). In some examples, the weight 1540 may be a single piece member, while in other examples, the weight 1540 may be formed of multiple pieces joined together or separately connected to the golf club head 1500. . As further shown in FIG. 15B, a pair of threaded fasteners is used to secure the weight 1540 to the club head 1500. Depending on the construction of the club head 1500, the air gap 1502 provides easy access to the fastener for removal or adjustment of the weight 1540. As further shown in FIG. 15A (not shown in FIG. 15B), the club head 1500 can have a channel 1550, the channel traversing the sole of the club head 1500 from the heel to the toe and the ball striking surface. Extending generally adjacent to. The channel allows a certain amount of compression of the club head during a ball collision. This feature can work with other club head structures and weighting characteristics to further improve club performance.

  FIG. 16 illustrates yet another golf club head 1600 of the present invention. As described for other aspects, the golf club head 1600 has a body 1602 having a first leg 1622 and a second leg 1624 separated by a gap 1630. The void 1630 is generally V-shaped similar to the other embodiments. Golf club head 1600 further defines a border area 1626. The cover 1604 is integrated with or connected to the body 1602. The first leg 1622 and the second leg 1624 gather towards each other toward the boundary area 1626.

  The golf club head 1600 utilizes a weight assembly to further improve the performance of the club head 1600. A weight assembly or weight is operably provided in the boundary area 1626. In the exemplary embodiment, the boundary area 1626 of the head 1600 supports a receiving body or receiving portion 1642 that is in the form of a receiving tube 1642 in the exemplary embodiment. The weight 1640 of the weight assembly is configured to be received by the receiving tube 1642. FIG. 16 shows the weight 1640 in a tube 1642 and in a further disassembled configuration. The weight 1640 may be housed in a housing tube 1642 incorporated in the golf club head 1600 in some examples, and in some arrangements, at the base of a V-shaped gap 1602 formed in the golf club head 1600. Can be arranged. Thus, as shown in FIG. 16, the boundary area 1626 supports the receiving tube 1642 generally at the junction of the first leg 1622 and the second leg 1624. The first leg 1622 and the second leg 1624 gather in the receiving tube 1642. The receiving tube 1642 generally has a height extending from the lower surface of the cover 1604 to near the sole surface of the club head body 1602. The receiving tube 1642 may have a height that varies as desired, and may be mounted such that one or both ends are spaced from the lower surface of the crown or sole. It will be appreciated that the weight 1640 can have one end 1640a that is heavier than the opposite end 1640b, and the weight 1640 can be reversed if desired. Thus, different weighting characteristics and arrangements are possible to modify the performance characteristics of the club head 1600. Further, in order to fix the weight 1640 in the receiving tube 1642, a screw-in fastener 1644 that fits with the female screw in the receiving tube 1642 can be provided.

  The receiving tube 1642 and the weight 1640 can have corresponding shapes so that the weight 1640 can slide into the receiving tube 1642. In some examples, the weight 1640 and the receiving tube 1642 can be cylindrical, square, rectangular, or the like. The receiving tube 1642 can have a vertical axis and the weight can have a vertical axis. These longitudinal axes generally correspond when the weight 1640 is received in the tube 1642. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, based on the understanding that the ball striking surface can have a certain amount of loft angle, the longitudinal axis of the tube 1642 is generally vertical and generally horizontal to the ball striking surface. The receiving tube 1642 may be integrally formed with one or more portions of the golf club head 1600, and is formed as a separate portion, and can be formed by a known connection method such as an adhesive, a mechanical fastener, or a snap fit. May be used to connect to the golf club head 1600.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, the containment tube 1642 is generally vertical in arrangement (eg, in a vertical position when the golf club head is in the address position). However, various other tube arrangements, positions, etc. can be used without departing from the invention. Some other arrangements, positions, etc. are described more fully below.

  The receiving tube 1642 can receive the weight 1640, and the weight may be a single weight member or may have an end having different weighting characteristics or weight values. For example, the weight 1640 may have one end 1640a that is heavier than the opposite end 1640b. In some arrangements, the relatively heavy end may be located near the top of the golf club head to provide a first weight arrangement, or the golf club head may provide a second weight arrangement. It may be located near the bottom. Different weight placements can affect the performance of the club head 1600. V-shaped air gap 1630 may allow easier access to the body of golf club head 1600, weight 1640, etc. to more easily adjust the weight from a high position to a low position. Other structures may be operably provided at the border area in the gap 1630 to removably support the weight member thereon.

  Additionally or alternatively, the weight member 1640 can include a plurality of weights or portions of the weight 1640 that can be releasably fastened together, eg, three pieces, one piece being the heaviest piece (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 16). . Also, different weights can have different weight values. In some examples, a relatively heavy member may be present at either end or center of the member. Various other combinations of weight members can be used without departing from the invention. The total height of the weight member 1640 with the length of the threaded fastener 1644 can generally correspond to the height of the receiving tube 1642 so that the weight 1640 fits snugly into the tube 1642 and does not slide within the tube during use. It will be appreciated that tube 1642 and / or weight 1640 may have shock absorbing features if desired.

  In some arrangements, the base of the V-shaped gap may be inclined and the receiving tube 1642 may adapt to that angle. Therefore, by adjusting the weight 1640 in the housing tube 1642, the weight member can be adjusted to a hybrid, for example, in the height direction and the front-rear direction. A plurality of receiving tubes 1642 may be utilized in a vertical, horizontal or inclined configuration. The containment tube may also be located at a distance from the boundary area 1626 including along the surfaces of the first leg 1622 and the second leg 1624.

  The position of the weight 1640 and the containment tube 1642 at the base of the V-shaped gap can help adjust the center of gravity close to the central region of the golf club head 1600. The weight in tube 1642 can be concentrated in tube 1642 to provide a low or high center of gravity. Weight 1640 may be configured to provide a relatively neutral center of gravity. By inserting or removing weight 1640, additional weights can be added to or removed from the total weight of golf club head 1600, weights can be added to or removed from the central area, Thereby, the performance characteristics of the golf club head 1600 are adjusted. Such weighting features provided by the weight 1640 in the tube 1642 can further affect the trajectory of the golf ball by providing a change in ball spin. It was identified that this weighting feature could give a ball spin change of about 500-600 rpm. Using an adjustable weight 1640 in the tube 1642 to influence ball spin and take into account launch angle and ball speed, the golfer achieves the desired ball trajectory, distance and other characteristics Golf clubs can be customized to do so. In addition, adjustable weighting features can be used to customize the club head 1600 to produce the desired ball spin for the particular golf ball used.

  The weight assembly utilized in FIG. 16 may take certain alternative forms. For example, the club head body can be formed such that the first leg and the second leg define a V-shaped gap therebetween. In this embodiment, the air gap extends completely from the club head crown to the club head sole. The side surfaces of the legs that are opposite in the air gap may be closed by the material defining the side surfaces, or the side surfaces of the legs may have an open configuration. A cover member that is also V-shaped may be provided to accommodate the V-shaped gap. The cover member has a structure defining an upper portion and a depending leg, and a receiving tube therein. The accommodating tube is configured to accommodate the weight. The cover member is located in the V-shaped gap, and the upper part of the cover member is attached to the club head body. The hanging leg of the cover member faces the leg of the club head body and may be connected to the leg of the club head body. Therefore, the club head body is formed in the same manner as the club head shown in FIG. In one exemplary embodiment, the club head body is a cast metal body such as titanium. The cover member is formed in a plastic injection molding operation. The plastic cover member reduces the overall weight of the club head compared to a corresponding structure, also made from a metal such as titanium. In order to provide a metallic appearance and further strengthen the plastic cover member, a coating operation may be utilized on the member. It will be further appreciated that in various aspects described herein that utilize additional weight members, the weight members may be derived from a heavier material than the rest of the golf club head or a portion of the head. In other exemplary aspects, the weight member may be made of the same material as the rest of the golf club head or a portion of the head. In certain exemplary embodiments, the weight member may be formed from steel, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, tungsten, graphite or composite materials, and alloys and / or combinations thereof.

  17A and 17B show another weight arrangement similar to FIG. Golf club head 1700 may include a club head body that defines a V-shaped gap 1702 at the rear of golf club head 1700. The club head body has a pair of spaced apart legs that define an air gap 1702, the legs meet and a boundary area is defined in the club head body. Further, the golf club head 1700 may include a weight 1740 disposed at the boundary area or generally at or near the central region of the golf club head (eg, at the base of the V-shaped gap 1702). A weight assembly or weight is operably provided in the boundary area. In the exemplary embodiment, similar to the arrangement of FIG. 16, the weight may be cylindrical, and can be accommodated in an accommodating portion such as the accommodating tube 1742.

  Similar to the arrangement described above, the weights can have ends with different weighting characteristics or weight values. For example, one end 1740a may be heavier than the other end 1740b. Additional weights are because the end 1740a is a relatively large portion of the weight 1740 (as shown in FIG. 17B) or the material used to form the weight can be different at each end sell. To adjust the weight distribution associated with the weight 1740, the weight 1740 can be removed from the containment tube 1742 and rotated or inverted. That is, the relatively heavy end may be near the upper portion of the containment tube 1742 (eg, near the sole of the golf club head), or the relatively heavy end may be on the top of the golf club head 1740 or on the crown. The weight 1740 may be reversed so that it exists nearby.

  Additionally or alternatively, as described above, the weight may be composed of a plurality of weight portions having different weight characteristics. For example, to adjust weight distribution and thereby adjust the performance characteristics of golf club head 1700, portions 1740a and 1740b may be separate portions of weight 1740 that can be connected together in multiple configurations. Although two weight portions are shown in FIG. 17B, more than two portions may be used to form the weight 1740 as desired.

  In some examples, the containment tube 1742 can include a fastener 1750 that secures the weight 1740 within the containment tube 1742. For example, a screw or other threaded fastener 1750 can be inserted into the receiving tube 1742 after the weight 1740 has been inserted to maintain the position of the weight 1740. The housing tube 1742 has a fitting screw that houses the threaded fastener 1750. To remove or adjust the weight, the fastener 1750 can be removed and then the weight 1740 can be removed. Similar to the arrangement described above, access to the weight 1740 and fastener 1750 may be through a gap 1702 formed in the rear of the golf club head 1700. It will be appreciated that in some other alternative embodiments, the weight 1740 may be secured within the tube 1740.

  Additionally or alternatively, the weight 1740 can be screwed or connected to the threaded fastener 1750 such that the thread 1740 is moved into the receiving tube 1742 by adjusting the threads. For example, the fastener 1750 can be moved upward or downward within the receiving tube 1742 by turning the screwed fastener 1750. Also, the weight 1740 connected to the fastener 1750 can be moved upward or downward together with the screwed fastener 1750. As further shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the containment tube 1742 may have a window 1744 that allows the weight 1740 in the tube 1742 to be seen. The weight 1740 can be provided with a display that allows the specific weighting arrangement provided to be easily determined.

  Although the arrangement described above, including the housing tube, generally shows the exterior of the exposed housing tube, the housing tube may be enclosed within the rear portion of the golf club head without departing from the invention. For example, the boundary area of a golf club head may completely enclose a containment tube or some other structure that houses a weight member.

  FIG. 18 shows yet another golf club head having a gap 1802 at the rear and an adjustable weight member. Club head 1800 has a pair of spaced apart legs that define a gap 1802 below the cover or crown portion of the club head. Golf club head 1800 includes two weight members 1840a and 1840b. The two weight members 1840a, 1840b can be arranged similarly to the weights of FIGS. 16 and 17 so that one end can be heavier than the other end. Further, the weight members 1840a and 1840b may be accommodated in an accommodation tube (not shown in FIG. 18) similarly to the above arrangement, and may also be connected to the outer surface of the golf club head as described above.

  In order to adjust the overall weight arrangement of the golf club head 1800 and to adjust performance characteristics, the weight can be removed, inverted, rotated, and the like. In the arrangement of FIG. 18, one weight 1840a is arranged to adjust the weight in the front-rear direction (eg towards the face / front, towards the rear), while the other weight 1840b moves the weight up and down. It is configured to adjust (eg towards the top, towards the sole). Each weight can be adjusted independently of each other to customize the performance characteristics of the golf club head 1800. Further arrangements including weights adjustable in the front-rear direction and in the elevation direction are described below. It will be appreciated that the weights 1840a, 1850a can be switched so that the elevation weight member 1850 can be located near the toe and the longitudinal weight member 1840a can be located near the heel. As further shown in FIG. 18, the club head 1800 can have a channel 1850 that extends across the sole of the club head 1850 from the heel to the toe and generally adjacent to the ball striking face. The channel allows a certain amount of compression of the club head during a ball collision. This feature can work with other club head structures and weighting characteristics to further improve club performance.

  FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate another alternative golf club head arrangement having a gap 1902 formed in the rear of the golf club head 1900 and having an adjustable weight disposed within the gap 1902. Similar to the arrangement described above, the air gap 1902 provides easy access to an adjustable weight located on the golf club head 1900. Golf club head 1900 includes a rear open portion having a receiving tube 1942 that extends from the sole of golf club head 1900 toward the top of golf club head 1900. The club head 1900 has a sole surface 1930 that extends from the base portion of the body adjacent to the ball striking surface toward the rear portion of the club head body. The sole surface 1930 supports the end of the receiving tube 1942 at the sole. The cover or crown portion of the club head body extends beyond the sole surface 1930 that would not be visible in the address position. Similar to the arrangement described above, the containment tube 1942 can be configured to accommodate a weight 1940, the weight may have various weighting characteristics, and adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head 1900. It can be adjustable, removable, rotatable, etc.

  As shown in FIG. 19B, because of the location and location of the gap 1902, the weight 1940 can be seen through the open portion of the receiving tube 1942. This may allow the user to identify the position of the weight 1940 in the containment tube 1942 and determine whether adjustment of the weight is desirable. Similar to some of the arrangements described above, the weight 1940 can be retained in the receiving tube 1942 via a fastener, such as a screwed fastener. The air gap 1902 may allow access to a fastener for adjusting the weight 1940.

  Similar to the arrangement described above, the weight 1940 may have ends with different weight characteristics, or may be formed of multiple portions that may allow adjustment of the weight distribution associated with the weight 1940.

  20A and 20B show yet another golf club head arrangement with adjustable weights. Club head 2000 has a pair of spaced apart legs that define a gap 2002 under the cover or crown portion of club head 2000. The illustrated weight arrangement includes two adjustable weights 2040a, 2040b that are respectively housed in a first housing or housing and a second housing or housing. Adjustable weights 2040a, 2040b may have differently weighted ends and may be made from a plurality of weight members releasably connected together and having a plurality of weight values. . In the exemplary embodiment, the first housing portion is a first housing tube 2042a and the second housing portion is a second housing tube 2042b. The first containment tube 2042a has a vertical configuration that is placed proximate to the boundary area 2026. The second receiving tube 2042b has a generally horizontal configuration and extends from near the first receiving tube 2042a toward the rear of the club head 2000. One end of the second storage tube 2042b is connected at the rear periphery of the club head 2000. Although two weights are shown, it will be understood that more or less weights may be used as desired. Similar to the arrangement described above, the weights 2040a, 2040b may have one end that is heavier than the other end, or may be formed of different weight portions having different weight characteristics. It will be appreciated that the first containment tube 2042a may be fully contained in the boundary area 2026. As can be appreciated from FIGS. 20A and 20B, the second containment tube 2042b extends along the air gap and has a space or gap defined between the tube 2042a and the lower surface of the cover or crown. The opening or opening end to the second receiving tube 2042b is placed close to the rear of the club head 2000. The second storage tube 2042b has a closed end proximate to the open end of the first storage tube 2042a.

  Similar to the specific arrangement described above, the weights 2040a, 2040b are housed in the housing tubes 2042a, 2042b in the golf club head 2000. In some examples, the position of the weights 2040a, 2040b within the receiving tube can be maintained by fasteners such as screws or other threaded fasteners. The housing tube may be visible like the housing tube 2042b, or may be housed within a portion of the golf club head 2000 so that it is not visible from the outside of the club, such as the housing tube 2042a with the weight 2040a. .

  The weights 2040a, 2040b can be rotated, removed, adjusted, etc. to adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head. For example, the weight distribution in the front-rear direction of the golf club head can be adjusted by adjusting the weight 2040b. Therefore, by positioning the heavier end of the weight 2040b near the front, the entire weight of the club head 2000 is adjusted toward the front or front of the golf club. Alternatively, by positioning the heavier end of the weight 2040b toward the rear of the golf club head 2000, the entire weight of the club head 2000 can move toward the back or rear of the golf club head 2000.

  Also, the weight 2040a can be adjustable, removable, rotatable, etc. to adjust the overall weight characteristics of the golf club head 2000. For example, as described above, the weight 2040a can have a heavier end and a lighter end. As desired, a heavier end or a lighter end can be initially inserted into the first receiving tube 2042a to adjust the weight of the golf club in the elevation direction. That is, by inserting the heavier end first (eg, toward the crown since the receiving tube is accessed from the sole of the golf club head), the weight is moved toward the crown at the top of the golf club. On the other hand, by inserting the lighter end first (eg, towards the crown), additional weight is added near the bottom of the golf club or near the sole.

  The weights 2040a and 2040b can be adjusted independently of each other. The center of gravity of the golf club 2000 can be moved or adjusted as desired by adjusting or rotating the weights 2040a and 2040b. Further customization of the weight and / or performance characteristics of the golf club head 2000 can be achieved by a hybrid arrangement that adjusts the weight in both the front-rear direction and the elevation direction or sole crown direction. It will also be appreciated that the receptacle may be supported by a pivotable support that exhibits additional adjustment capabilities. Further, it will be appreciated that the support or support has a generally longitudinal axis. The weight is accommodated along the vertical axis. In certain constructions, the longitudinal axis is generally transverse to the ball striking surface. In other constructions, the longitudinal axis is generally parallel to the ball striking surface. In yet other configurations, the longitudinal axis can be placed at an angle with respect to the ball striking face.

  FIG. 21 shows yet another golf club head arrangement. Club head 2100 has spaced pairs of legs that define a gap 2102 under the cover or crown portion of club head 2000. Golf club head 2100 includes a gap 2102 proximate to the rear of golf club head 2100 and extending toward a central region of club head 2100. In this embodiment, the gap 2102 is formed by a first leg 2122 and a second leg 2124 that are spaced apart to help define the V-shaped gap 2102. In some examples, the legs 2122, 2124 may include one or more sliding weights 2140 operably provided on the legs 2122, 2124. For this purpose, the weight 2140 can be supported by the legs 2122, 2124 in different configurations. In one exemplary embodiment, the first leg 2122 can define a first passageway that accommodates the movable weight 2140 and the second leg 2124 is a second that accommodates the movable weight 2140. Can be defined. The passage can be thought of as a track defined by legs 2122, 2124. The sliding weight 2140 may be connected to the golf club head 2100 using screws 2165 or other fasteners that may allow the position of the weight 2140 to be adjusted. For example, fasteners 2165 placed through legs 2122, 2124 may be received in slots 2160 on weight 2140 or other receiving recesses placed along the top of weight 2140. This collaborative configuration may allow self-fastening when the fastener 2165 rotates. The fastener 2165 can maintain the position of the sliding weight 2140 within the leg. To adjust the position of the weight 2140, the fastener 2165 can be loosened and the weight 2140 can be moved into the golf club head 2100 (eg towards the front) or outside (eg towards the back). (As indicated by the arrows) and refastening the fastener 2165 can secure the weight 2140 in a new or adjusted position. The void structure helps provide the necessary access to adjust the weight 2140 along the legs. In a further alternative, the legs may define an inner floor and the weight 2140 may be supported on the floor and slide along the floor. A fastener may be provided as an installation mechanism for securing the weight to a desired location along the leg. Additional track mechanisms may be used between the weight and the leg structure.

  The arrangement of the slot 2160 may allow the weight 2140 to be secured to an infinite number of positions along the length of the legs 2122, 2124. Additionally or alternatively, the slot 2160 can include one or more stops (not shown), which can define a position where the weight 2140 can be secured and maintain the position of the weight 2140. Can help. The stop can take a variety of forms and can cooperate with weight 2140 to maintain position. In one exemplary embodiment, the weight is moved over the stop and the stop is deflected, for example, to stop the weight from moving along the slot while maintaining the position of the weight in the slot. The section can be an elastically deflectable material such as rubber, polymer or other elastomeric material. In other exemplary aspects, the movable weight may cooperate with a biasing member that helps maintain the position of the weight. Also, the weight may be exchangeable with another weight that is heavier or lighter.

  In some examples, the weights 2140 can have the same or substantially similar weight characteristics. In other examples, the weights 2140 can be different. Further, in some arrangements, the weight 2140 may be removable from the golf club head 2100 and in some examples may be replaced with other weights having different weight characteristics.

  The performance characteristics of the golf club head 2100 are adjusted by adjusting the weight 2140. For example, when the weight is moved inward toward the front surface of the golf club head, the distribution of the entire weight of the golf club head 2100 moves forward, thereby adjusting the center of gravity of the golf club head 2100. Alternatively, when the weight is moved outward toward the rear of the golf club head 2100, the center of gravity can move toward the rear of the golf club head 2100.

  The weights can be adjusted independently of each other. For example, in order to further adjust the weight distribution, center of gravity, moment of inertia, etc. of the golf club head 2100, one weight can be adjusted ahead of the other weights. Furthermore, the V-shaped configuration of the weight 2140 can provide not only the weight shift in the front-rear direction as described above but also the weight shift in the toe-heel direction. In some examples, the weight 2140 can be placed on a slope, which can also cause a weight adjustment in the elevation direction as the weight 2140 is moved. Also, the leg slope may be constructed to show an increased combination of elevation movement and front and back weight movement. As further shown in FIG. 21, the club head 2100 can have a channel 2150 that extends from the heel to the toe across the sole of the club head 2100 and adjacent to the ball striking face. The channel allows a certain amount of compression of the club head during a ball collision. This feature can work with other club head structures and weighting characteristics to further improve club performance.

  FIG. 22 shows another golf club head arrangement having a gap 2202 formed in the rear of the golf club head 2200. In some examples, the gap 2202 may be substantially V-shaped, and one or more adjustable weight assemblies 2240 positioned within the golf club head 2200 and along the sidewall 2204 of the V-shaped gap 2202. Can be included. Although the arrangement of FIG. 22 includes two adjustable weight assemblies, more or fewer weight assemblies may be used without departing from the invention.

  In some examples, the weight 2240 is supported by legs and can slide along the side surface 2204 of the gap 2202. For example, a screw or other fastener 2265 can help in maintaining the position of the weight in the slot 2260 located in the sidewall 2204 of the gap 2202. Loosen the fastener 2265 along the slot 2260 and adjust as desired to move the weight forward (toward the face of the golf club head 2200) or backward (toward the rear of the golf club head 2200) be able to. Once the desired position is determined, the fastener 2265 can be fastened to maintain the weight position along the slot 2260.

  In the illustrated arrangement, the weight may be placed anywhere along the slot 2260. In an alternative embodiment, one or more stops may be positioned along the slot 2260 to help maintain the position of the weight and to give the weight a finite number of positions.

  Similar to the arrangement described with respect to FIG. 21, the weights may be adjusted along the slots, the weight distribution may be moved forward and / or backward, the weights may also be V-shaped gaps 2202, and the weights placed. It can be adjusted in the toe-heel direction by the side surface 2204 of the gap 2202 to be cut. This may allow customization of weight distribution in multiple directions. Further, the weights can be adjusted independently of each other to further assist in customizing the overall weight distribution of the golf club head to adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head 2200. The weights also slide at various positions on the inner surface of the side wall 2204, for example, closer to the boundary area at the leg assembly or closer to the rear of the leg, and at various angles along the side wall 2204. Can be mounted as possible. In other alternative embodiments, the weight 2240 can be housed within the interior cavity of the club head, but can be configured to be selectively slidable along the inner surface of the leg. It will be appreciated that the club head 2200 of FIG. 22 may be provided with a cover that extends over the gap 2202 and / or the legs.

  FIGS. 23A-23C illustrate another golf club head arrangement 2300 having an air gap formed in the rear of the golf club head 2300 and having an adjustable weight arrangement configured therein. Golf club head 2300 includes an adjustable weight 2340 that is positioned within and accessible through gap 2302. The weight 2340 can slide along a track extending from near the toe to near the heel. In some arrangements, some or all of the weight 2340 may be located within the golf club head 2300 and may not be visible from the outside of the golf club head. Alternatively, the weight can be disposed on the outer surface of the golf club head 2300 as desired.

  In the arrangement of FIGS. 23A-23C, a portion of the weight may be located within the golf club head 2300. However, the weight may be adjusted from the outside of the golf club head 2300. For example, the weight 2340 can be adjusted along the track or slot 2360 to move the weight provided on the golf club head from near the toe to near the heel, or vice versa. Although the slots are shown as curved or arcuate, various slot arrangements can be used without departing from the invention. For example, the slots can be generally straight, V-shaped, etc.

  Similar to the arrangement described above, the weight 2340 can be screwed in via a threaded fastener or adjustable and can be held in place via a screw thread. In some arrangements, the weight 2340 may have a variety of shapes and can be held in place via a threaded fastener that extends through the slot.

  FIG. 23B shows a cover 2350 that may extend over a portion of the rear of the golf club head to cover the weight 2340 and slot 2360. The cover can give the golf club head 2300 a more normal appearance and can prevent dirt, flying objects, etc. from entering the golf club head 2300 via the slot 2360.

  FIG. 23C shows the golf club head 2300 with the cover removed. As shown, the rear portion of the golf club head 2300 is generally open and has a substantially planar structure. This open rear structure can help reduce the overall weight associated with the golf club head 2300. The addition of the cover 2350 can provide the benefits of a golf club head having a reduced weight while maintaining the appearance of a conventional golf club head.

  FIGS. 24A and 24B show an arrangement similar to FIGS. 23A-23C, including an adjustable weight 2440 that is adjustable along a slot or track 2460. FIGS. As shown in FIG. 24B, the weight 2440 can have two ends with different weight characteristics. Accordingly, when adjusting the weight 2440 along the length of the slot 2460, the weight distribution in the toe-heel direction and the weight distribution in the height direction can be modified. The golf club head 2400 may further include a second slot 2470 that may allow adjustment of another weight (not shown). A club head structure with a gap provides easy access to the weight 2440.

  25A and 25B illustrate another golf club head having a gap 2502 formed in the rear of the golf club head and having an adjustable weight disposed therein (eg, along the wall of the gap 2502). 2500 is shown. The golf club head 2500 includes two adjustable weights 2540 disposed along the side wall of the V-shaped gap 2502. More or fewer weights can be used without departing from the invention. In some examples, a portion of the weight 2540 can be disposed inside the golf club head 2500 while a portion can be accessible from the outside of the golf club head 2500. That can help easy adjustment of the weight 2540.

  In some arrangements, the weight 2540 can be slidable along a track or slot 2560, for example. For example, the weight 2540 can be placed in a first position near the base of the V-shaped gap 2502 and close to the front of the golf club head 2500. To adjust the overall weight distribution of the golf club head 2500, the weight 2540 can slide outwardly from the first position toward the rear corner of the golf club head 2500. In some examples, the weight 2540 can be held in place, such as via a friction fit. In other examples, one or more stops may be placed along the slot 2560, and the stops may be moved beyond the stops by applying a force that exceeds a certain threshold to the weight 2540. The position of the weight 2540 can be maintained until it can. Although the illustrated slot 2560 is generally straight, the slot can be curved, arcuate, etc. without departing from the invention.

  In some arrangements, the weights can have the same or substantially similar weights or weight characteristics. Alternatively, the weight 2540 can have different weight characteristics. Further, in some examples, the weights can be adjusted together. For example, movement of one weight 2540 along the slot 2560 may cause a corresponding movement along the slot 2560 of the other weight 2540. Alternatively, the weights 2540 can move independently of each other. The weight 2560 can be secured via a friction fit or other mechanical configuration.

  FIG. 26 shows another exemplary golf club head 2600 having a void 2602 formed in the back of the golf club head 2600. A lower cover 2643 can be used to cover one or more adjustable weight arrangements described herein. Further, the golf club head 2600 may include a channel 2650 that further provides improved performance of the golf club head 2600 as described above.

  FIGS. 27A and 27B show another exemplary golf club head 2700 that includes an air gap and includes an adjustable weight 2740. It will be appreciated that the cover to be placed over the gap is not shown in FIG. 27A. Similar to the arrangement described above, a portion of the weight can be inside the golf club head 2700, while a portion of the weight 2740 can be accessible from the outside of the golf club head. Weight 2740 may be adjustable along a slot or track 2760. In some examples, the weight 2740 can be maintained in place along the slot or track 2760 using a fastener, such as a screwed fastener that can be loosened to allow adjustment of the weight 2740. In other examples, the weight 2740 can be held in place using a friction fit. In yet another example, one or more stops are positioned along the slot or track so that a threshold force is applied to maintain the position of the weight 2740 until the weight moves past the stop. sell.

  The weight 2740 may be adjusted upwards toward the top or crown of the golf club head or downwards toward the sole of the golf club head 2700. In some examples, the slot or track 2760 may be inclined (eg, inclined upward as it extends from the rear to the front of the golf club head). This slanted slot arrangement may allow adjustment in both the height direction and the front-back direction of the weight. FIG. 27B shows the interior of the golf club head 2700 as viewed from the toe end. The weight 2740 is movable as indicated by an arrow. Thus, in one aspect, the weight is movable along the track between a position proximate the sole and a position proximate the cover or crown. By moving the weight, the weight of the club is adjusted both in the height direction (eg, from the crown to the sole and vice versa) and in the front-rear direction (eg, from the front to the rear and vice versa). By the movement of the weight, the distribution of the entire weight of the golf club head 2700 can be adjusted, and the center of gravity characteristic and the moment of inertia characteristic of the golf club head can be influenced.

  As can be appreciated from FIG. 27B, a cover member can be used to cover the adjustable weight 2740. The cover may help prevent dirt and flying objects from entering the slot or track 2760. However, the air gap 2702 formed in the rear of the golf club head 2700 can still provide easy access to the adjustable weight 2740 when the cover is removed.

  FIG. 28 shows another adjustable weight arrangement. Similar to some of the arrangements described above, the weight 2840 moves along the track 2841 to move the weight toward the toe or heel of the golf club head to adjust the performance characteristics of the golf club head 2800. It can be adjustable. It will be appreciated that the club head 2800 has a void formed therein and that the cover may be provided over the void and weight.

  29-44 disclose further embodiments of club heads according to aspects of the present invention. In particular, FIGS. 29-35 disclose golf club head embodiments of at least some aspects of the present invention that are generally assigned the reference number 3000. Golf club head 3000 generally includes a golf club head body 3002 and a cover 3004. In this particular embodiment, the cover 3004 is formed as an integral part of the club head body 3002, for example by a casting manufacturing process. Similar to the previous embodiment, the golf club head 3000 has the geometric weighting features provided thereto. The golf club head 3000 generally has a front or ball striking face 3008, a rear 3010, a top 3012 or crown 3012, a sole 3014, a heel 3016, and a toe 3018. It will be further appreciated that the golf club head body 3002 defines an internal cavity 3019.

  As shown in FIGS. 29 to 35, the golf club head body 3002 has a base member 3020 and a first leg 3022 and a second leg 3024. In this embodiment, since the club head body 3002 is generally a unitary structure, the base member 3020 and the legs 3022, 3024 can be considered to hang from the cover 3004. Base member 3020 generally extends from heel 3016 to toe 3018 and defines a ball striking face 3008 on one side. The base member 3020 serves to define a portion of the internal cavity 3019, and in the exemplary embodiment, the internal cavity 3019 extends from the inner surface of the ball striking face 3008 to the end of the internal area defined by the legs 3022, 3024 and the cover 3064. Extend to the part. As can be appreciated from the drawing, the inner surface of the ball striking face 3008 faces the internal cavity 3019 and is further in communication with the portion of the internal cavity 3019 defined by the first leg 3022 and the second leg 3024. Yes. The ball striking surface 3008 may use the variable surface structure as described above, and can be connected to the club head body 3002 separately. As shown in FIGS. 33 to 34, the first leg 3022 extends away from the ball striking surface 3008, and the second leg 3024 extends away from the ball striking surface 3008. First leg 3022 and second leg 3024 extend toward the rear of the club on heel 3016 and toe 3018 of club head 3000, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment, legs 3022, 3024 extend consistently from boundary area 3028 toward the rear of heel 3016 and toe 3018. Accordingly, the legs 3022, 3024 extend continuously from the boundary area 3028 outward toward the heel 3016 and toe 3018 of the club head 3000 in a generally linear configuration. Legs 3022 and 3024 may extend in a non-linear configuration. Also, the legs 3022, 3024 may extend with different lengths if further weight distribution and performance characteristics are to be achieved.

  Club head 3000 utilizes geometric weighting features, and in an exemplary embodiment, a gap 3026, or a space or gap, is defined between first leg 3022 and second leg 3024. . Thus, this portion of the golf club head may be considered removed to form or define the void 3026. In a further exemplary embodiment, the void 3026 is generally V-shaped. Accordingly, the first leg 3022 and the second leg 3024 gather toward each other in the boundary area 3028 and generally merge. The air gap 3026 has a wider dimension at the rear 3010 of the club head 3000 and a narrower dimension near the center area of the club head, generally in the boundary area 3028. The air gap 3026 is open to the rear part 3010 of the club head 3000. In one exemplary embodiment, the boundary area 3028 has a height and is positioned proximate to a central portion or central region of the body 3002 to define a base support wall 3030. The base portion support wall 3030 can have a rounded surface facing the gap 3026. The proximal end of the first wall 3022 is connected to one end of the base support wall 3030, and the proximal end of the second wall 3024 is connected to another end of the base support wall 3030. . From the drawings, it will be appreciated that the base support wall 3030 can extend in a generally vertical configuration between the sole surface and the bottom surface of the cover 3004. In the exemplary embodiment, base support wall 3030 extends from the sole surface at an angle from the longitudinal axis. Thus, the base support wall 3030 may extend along the length of the base support wall 3030 toward the rear of the club head or toward the ball striking face. The base portion support wall 3030 can merge with the sole surface of the golf club head 3000 so as to define the location of the raised portion. An angle A is defined between the legs 3022, 3024, which can vary, for example, to a right angle, an acute angle, or an obtuse angle. In one exemplary embodiment, the angle A can range from 30 degrees to 110 degrees, and more specifically from 45 degrees to 90 degrees. It will further be appreciated that the angle A can vary from a location proximate the sole to a location proximate the bottom surface of the cover or crown. The angle A may vary along the length of the legs 3022, 3024. The legs 3022, 3024 may extend asymmetrically at different angles from the boundary area 3028 to provide the desired performance characteristics. The air gap 3026 and legs 3022, 3024 may be placed in a configuration that rotates around the central area, for example, further rotates toward the rear heel of the club head or further rotates toward the rear toe of the club head. Will be further understood. It will also be appreciated that the boundary area 3028 may be located at various locations between the heel and toe of the golf club head. Although a V-shaped gap 3026 is formed, the gap 3026 may take other forms, including a more U-shaped defined gap, where the boundary area 3028 includes a more extended base support wall 3030. The base support wall defines and separates the legs 3022, 3024 even when the legs 3022, 3024 extend at an angle with respect to the ball striking face 3008 or are generally lateral. It will be appreciated that the width of the base support wall 3030 can vary.

  It will be appreciated that in such a construction, the internal cavity 3019 does not extend completely from the inner surface of the ball striking face to the back of the golf club head. Thus, the internal cavity is interrupted near the central region of the club head 3000. The geometric weighting feature described herein is generally V-shaped, and the width of the geometric weighting feature proximate to the rear is greater than the width of the geometric weighting feature closer to the ball striking surface. It will be further understood.

  As further shown in FIGS. 33-34, the first leg 3022 defines a first outer surface 3032 and the second leg 3024 defines a second outer surface 3034. Each side 3032, 3034 has a proximal end 3036 located in the boundary area 3028 and further has a distal end 3038 in the rear 3010 of the club 3000. In the exemplary embodiment, distal end 3038 extends inwardly from the major portion of sides 3032, 3034. As can be appreciated from FIG. 33, extending the distal end 3038 of the side surfaces 3032, 3034 inward shortens the arc of the rear of the club head between the distal ends 3038. This may have a desired effect on the acoustic characteristics of the golf club head 3000. In yet another exemplary embodiment, such a desired effect can be to extend the distal arc between the distal ends 3038 by extending the distal ends 3039 outward. The height of each distal end 3038 further decreases toward the rear 3010 of the club head 3000. As further shown in FIG. 33, the side surfaces 3032, 3034 have a greater height at the proximal end 3036 and these surfaces extend to a lower height toward the distal end 3038. For example, in one exemplary embodiment of a driver-type golf club head, the height of the side surfaces 3032, 3034 at the proximal end 3036 from the lower surface of the cover 3004 to the sole of the club head proximate to the base support wall 3030 is about 48-62mm. This height can be considered to be the depth of the void 3026 proximate to the boundary area 3028. In one particular driver type golf club head, this height is about 52 millimeters, while the ball striking face height at the center of the golf club head is about 58 millimeters. In another particular driver type golf club head, this height is about 60 millimeters and the height of the ball striking face at the face center is about 62 millimeters. In a fairway type golf club head, this height is about 33 millimeters, and the height of the ball striking face at the face center is about 35 millimeters. In the hybrid type golf club head, this height is about 33 millimeters, and the height of the striking face at the face center is about 38 millimeters. Generally, this height can be about 85% to 100% of the height of the ball striking face at the center of the golf club head. Such a configuration allows the cover or crown geometry to be dimensioned to achieve the desired performance characteristics of the club head. The height of the side surfaces 3032, 3034 proximate the distal end from the lower surface of the cover 3004 to the sole is generally lower at the distal end 3028.

  In one exemplary embodiment, the side surfaces 3032, 3034 each have a plurality of ribs 3040 or ridges extending from the proximal end 3036 toward the distal end 3038. Accordingly, the side surfaces 3032 and 3034 have a stepped configuration or undulation. Such a structure helps to add a certain amount of stiffness to the body 3002. It will be appreciated that a single rib 3040 may be used and only a single leg 3022, 3024 may have a rib 3040. Other stiffening structures may be used on the legs 3022, 3024 or other portions of the golf club head 3000. In the exemplary embodiment, the first leg 3022 is generally defined by the first side 3032 and the club head body to form the heel of the club head 3000 and the second leg 3024 is the second surface 3024 and It will be further appreciated that the toe of the club head 3000 is formed by being generally defined by the club head body. As can be appreciated from the drawing, the sole 3014 of the club head body 3002 is from near the ball striking face 3008 toward the center area of the club head in the boundary area 3028 and far from the first leg 3022 and the second leg 3024. It can be defined as up to the extreme end.

  Club head body 3002 defines additional internal support structures in internal cavity 3019 that enhance the characteristics of club head 3000. The structure can be an internal support member, gusset or fin that is placed in internal cavity 3019 to provide additional support to the components of club head 3000. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 35, the club head 3000 includes a first gusset member 3050 and a second gusset member 3052. In an exemplary embodiment, the first gusset member 3050 and the second gusset member 3052 are generally triangular members, particularly equilateral triangle members, but the gussets 3050, 3052 may have outer surfaces that have a specific contour. It will be understood. Gusset 3050, 3052 can have a constant or variable thickness. The first gusset member 3050 is placed proximate to the inner surface of the first leg 3022 and the inner surface of the boundary area 3028. Second gusset member 3052 is placed proximate to the inner surface of second leg 3024 and the inner surface of boundary area 3028. The first gusset member 3050 is spaced apart from the second gusset member 3052. In particular, the first gusset member 3050 has one surface or first surface connected proximate to the base support wall 3030 and the first boundary joint 3054 of the first leg 3022, and the sole It has a lower surface or a second surface connected to the inner surface 3058. Similarly, the second gusset member 3052 has one surface or a first surface connected proximate to the base portion support wall 3030 and the second boundary joint 3056 of the second leg 3024; It has a lower surface or a second surface connected to the sole inner surface 3058. Gusset members 3050, 3052 generally extend from the base support wall 3030 toward the ball striking face 3008. It will be appreciated that the gusset members 3050, 3052 can be moved inward and connected to the inner surface of the base support wall 3030. As further shown in FIG. 35, the gusset members 3050, 3052 extend upward on a portion of the base support wall 3030 in the boundary area 3028. This distance may vary and may or may not extend completely to the lower surface of the club head 3000 cover. Similarly, the gusset members 3050, 3052 are dimensioned to extend along a portion of the sole inner surface 3058, and this distance can also vary. Figures 35a and 35b show further views of gusset members 3050, 3052. In the exemplary embodiment, the gusset members 3050, 3052 diverge on the sole inner surface 3058 as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 35 as these members extend toward the ball striking face 3008. It will be appreciated that the gusset members 3050, 3052 may extend vertically upward at an angle from the surface of the base support wall 3030, as shown in FIG. 35a. It will be further appreciated that additional support members may be connected between the gusset members 3050, 3052 as desired. Based on the specific structure of the club head 3000, it has been determined that a portion of the club head 3000, such as the boundary area 3028, can be bent during a ball collision. The sound at the time of ball collision is also affected by the specific structure of the golf club head 3000.

  The first gusset member 3050 and the second gusset member 3052 help to add rigidity, stiffness and load strength at the boundary area 3028 as desired to provide the desired performance characteristics including acoustic properties. Limit the flexion. Increased durability is also realized. Gusset members 3050, 3052 do not add significant additional weight to the golf club head 3000. In such a configuration, the weight distribution can be further maximized to move toward the rear of the heel 3016 and toe 3018. Also, the configuration of the gap 3026 can be maximized. With these structures, the acoustic characteristics of the golf club head 3000 at the time of ball collision are further adjusted to a desired frequency level. Note that the sole surface is generally solid where the gusset member engages and extends along the inner surface of the sole. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, no other weight port structure is placed on the gusset member.

  It will be appreciated that additional gusset members may be utilized if desired, or gusset members having configurations different from those shown may be utilized. For example, a plurality of gusset support members may extend around different locations in the boundary area or the inner surface of the first leg and the second leg. The gusset members 3050, 3052 may be connected at the inner surface of the legs rather than at the boundary joints 3054, 3056. The gusset member may extend and be connected to the other inner surface of the club head. Further, the gusset members 3050, 3052 may be dimensioned to extend toward the rear of the golf club head 3000 across the boundary area 3028 and against the inner surface of the legs 3022, 3024. Gusset members 3050, 3052 are metal members in one exemplary embodiment, but other materials including composite materials are possible. It will further be appreciated that the gusset support member may be cast or formed integrally with the club head body in the same forming process. The gusset support members may be formed separately and then connected as described above, for example by welding, adhesives or other connection techniques. In one exemplary embodiment, the gusset member is shown as a triangular member, but the gusset member may have many different shapes and sizes. The gusset member may further have specific notches or contours as desired.

  As further shown in FIG. 34, the boundary area 3028 is located generally in the central portion or central region of the club head 3000 between the ball striking face and the rear of the golf club head 3000. The club head 3000 has a depth dimension B that is generally defined as the distance from the ball striking face 3008 to the rear 3010 of the club 3000 (see, eg, FIG. 1B). As further shown in FIGS. 36-38, the base support wall 3030 of the boundary area 3028 proximate to the sole surface is located at a distance of about “x” from the ball striking face 3008. Alternatively, the base support wall 3030 in the boundary area 3028 proximate to the sole surface is located at a distance of about “y” from the rear portion 3010 of the golf club head 3000. Considered alternatively, the boundary area 3028 is approximately 30% to 60% of the depth B of the club 3000 measured from the ball striking surface 3008, or 40% to 70% of the depth B of the club 3000 measured from the ball striking surface 3008. Can be placed in the range. In a further exemplary embodiment, this range is about 40% to 50% of the depth B of the club 3000 measured from the ball striking surface 3008, or 40% to 60% of the depth B of the club 3000 measured from the ball striking surface 3008. It is possible. In one exemplary embodiment of a driver type club, the overall depth is about 4.365 inches and the distance from the ball striking surface to the support wall is about 1.875 inches. In another exemplary embodiment of a driver type club, the overall depth is about 4.45 inches and the distance from the ball striking surface to the support wall is about 2.6 inches. In one exemplary embodiment of a fairway wood type golf club, the overall depth is about 3.375 inches and the distance from the ball striking surface to the support wall is about 1.5 inches. In another exemplary embodiment of a fairway wood type golf club, the overall depth is about 3.375 inches and the distance from the ball striking surface to the support wall is about 1.7 inches. In one exemplary embodiment of a hybrid type golf club, the overall depth is about 2.375 inches and the distance from the ball striking surface to the support wall is about 1.125 inches. In another exemplary embodiment of a hybrid type golf club, the overall depth is about 2.375 inches and the distance from the ball striking surface to the support wall is about 1.25 inches. From these listed dimensions, the distance y from the rear of the club to the base support wall can be easily determined. It has been found that these dimensions can further show an effect on the bending of the club head body at the time of ball collision and can affect the desired acoustic properties of the golf club head 3000. 36-38 disclose further alternative embodiments of the golf club head 3000. FIG. As shown in FIG. 36, the base portion support wall 3030 and the boundary area 3028 are located closer to the ball striking face 3008. Further, in FIGS. 37 and 38, the base support wall 3030 and the boundary area 3028 are located away from the ball striking face 3008 and closer to the rear 3010 of the club head 3000. Therefore, these modes can be used according to the desired characteristics of the club head.

  As further shown in FIGS. 33-34, it will be appreciated that the outer lower surface of the base portion 3020 and legs 3022, 3024 generally defines the sole of the club head 3000. It will further be appreciated that the length of the base 3020 from the ball striking face 3008 to the boundary area 3028 may vary as desired. The first leg and / or base portion has a first recessed area 3060 proximate to the heel 3016 of the club head 3000 and the second leg and / or base portion is a toe 3018 of the club head 3000. A second recessed area 3062 proximate to. Further, the first recessed area 3060 is in communication with the hole 3064. The bore 3064 is sized to accommodate a releasable and adjustable connection mechanism for connecting the shaft to the club head 3000, for example, via the hosel 104. It will be appreciated that the connection mechanism may be configured to have the ability to adjust the loft angle, face angle and / or lie angle. It will further be appreciated that the connection mechanism may take a variety of different forms and may simply form an unadjustable connection that non-adjustably connects the shaft to the golf club head.

  29-34 disclose a cover 3004. FIG. As will be described, in this embodiment, the cover 3004 is integrally formed as part of the club head body 3002 and generally defines the crown 3012 of the club head 3000. The cover 3004 is connected to the club head body 3002 and configured to cover at least a part thereof. Cover 3004 may have a certain amount of curvature on the outer top surface. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 29-34, the cover 3004 is dimensioned to substantially cover the club head body 3002.

  Cover 3004 covers gap 3026 and first leg 3022 and second leg 3024. The first leg 3022 and the second leg 3024 can be considered to hang from the cover 3004. In such a configuration, the first segment 3070 of the cover 3004 may be considered to be placed over the internal cavity 3019, as shown generally schematically in FIG. Can be thought of as being placed on top of In the exemplary embodiment, the surface area of the first segment 3070 is generally greater than the surface area of the second segment 3072. Cover 3004 has a curved perimeter at the rear that extends over and just beyond the distal ends of first leg 3022 and second leg 3024. In certain exemplary embodiments, cover 3004 defines the rear of the club having the outermost periphery of the club head. When the club head body 3002 is formed with the recesses described above, the peripheral portion of the cover 3004 is dimensioned to correspond to the shape of the recesses on the club head body 3002. The lower surface of the cover 3004 faces and communicates with the air gap 3026. In addition to the sensor attachment shown in other embodiments, other structures may be attached to this surface. The lower surface of the cover that faces the gap may have a frame member that is bonded thereto via an adhesive. The frame has sufficient rigidity and the adhesive has sufficient elasticity to promote durable bonding and vibration damping properties. The frame material can be fiber reinforced plastic, metal, plastic or the like. The adhesive may be epoxy, silicone adhesive or 3M VHB double sided tape. The frame may also have an indication on it facing the gap. As will be described, the cover may wrap the sole surface of the golf club to completely enclose the gap 3026, which is not visible from the top or bottom of the club head. However, in the exemplary embodiment, cover 3004 extends over gap 3026 and legs 3022, 3024, and in the address position, golf club head 3000 has the appearance of a traditional golf club head, and void 3026 is not visible.

  As further shown in FIGS. 29-35, the cover 3004 is integrally formed as a part of the club head body 3002. In one exemplary embodiment, the club head body 3002 is formed in a casting manufacturing process. In a further exemplary embodiment, the club head body 3002 is cast entirely from titanium. It will be appreciated that other metal materials, or composite materials, or plastic injection molding materials, or combinations thereof may be used. For certain materials, additional coating processes may be used to add additional strength. It will also be appreciated that the ball striking face 3008 is separately connected to the golf club head body 3002, for example in a welding operation. It will be further appreciated that alternative connection mechanisms between the body 3002 and the cover 3004 may be used if a one-piece connection is not used. Cover 3004 and club head body 3002 can be glued, cemented, welded, soldered or other bonding or finishing techniques, mechanical connectors (such as threads, screws, nuts, bolts or other connectors), interference fits, etc. Can be connected, joined, fastened or fixed together (directly or indirectly via an intermediate member). As can be appreciated, the cover 3004 can be considered to generally form the crown of the club head 3000. The remaining portion of the club head body 3002 defines a ball striking surface and a depending leg that is spaced apart to define a gap under the cover.

  It will be appreciated that the structure of the golf club head 3000 described herein cooperates to form a club head with improved properties. The void structure provides the ability to distribute more weight towards the rear of the heel and toe. In a further exemplary embodiment, a club head 3000 is constructed that can increase the wall thickness of the first and second legs in the manufacturing process such that the weight further increases toward the rear in the toe and heel. Sometimes. The wall thickness at the distal end of the leg can be increased so that a weight is added at the rear of the toe and heel. It will be further appreciated that the weight member may be supported inside the legs. Additional structures such as gusset members provide the desired amount of stiffness and flex. The resulting club head provides improved performance and acoustic properties.

  FIGS. 39-44 disclose further embodiments of club heads according to at least some aspects of the present invention, which are also generally assigned the reference number 3000. FIG. Because of the similarities in structure and configuration of the club head shown in FIGS. 29-35, further features and differences will be described based on the understanding that the above description is applicable to the club head 3000 shown in FIGS. 39-44. To do. In this embodiment, the golf club head 3002 includes a container or weight port 3070 on the sole surface of the club head 3000. The weight port 3070 is located proximate to the boundary area 3028 and in particular on the base support wall 3030 adjacent to the gap 3026. The weight port 3070 can have an internal thread or other additional connection structure. A weight member 3072 is provided, which may have multiple parts, male threads or other connection mechanisms. The weight member 3072 may have a specific weight value and can be secured in the weight port 3070. The weight member 3072 can include a plurality of parts connected together to provide weight adjustability. Using weight member 3072 within weight port 3070 allows the golfer to customize the golf club swing weight as desired. It will be appreciated that an internal support member or gusset is not utilized in this embodiment, but such structures may be incorporated if desired.

  Several different aspects of the golf club head of the present invention have been described herein. The various aspects have several different features and structures that exhibit advantages and improved performance characteristics. It will be appreciated that any of a variety of features and structures can be combined to form a particular club head of the present invention.

  The golf club head structure disclosed herein provides several advantages. The unique geometry of the golf club head provides a beneficial change in the mass characteristics of the golf club head. Geometric weighting features provide reduced weights and / or improved weight distribution. The air gap defined in the club head can reduce the overall weight because the material is removed from a conventional golf club head in which the air gap is defined instead of the material that would normally be present. The air gap also helps to distribute the weight across the club head to provide improved performance characteristics. The air gap distributes weight to the rear corners of the club head on the toe and heel. Increased moment of inertia was achieved while optimizing the location of the club head's center of gravity. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a golf club head having a higher tolerance and a golf club head capable of giving a golf shot with a loft more easily. In certain exemplary embodiments, the weight for the portion of the golf club head removed to form the void can be about 4-15 grams, more specifically 8-9 grams. In other exemplary embodiments, this reduced weight can be redistributed to other areas of the club head, such as toward the rear in the toe and heel. In certain exemplary embodiments, about 2% to 7.5% of the weight is reallocated from the more traditional golf club head design. In yet a further example, the air gap may have a volume defined by an imaginary plane extending from the sole surface and rear of the club and may be considered to cooperate with the side of the leg and the lower portion of the cover. The internal cavity can also have a specific volume. These volumes are sized to affect the desired performance characteristics. It will be further appreciated that certain portions of the club head may be formed from alternative materials to provide weight savings or other weight redistribution. In one exemplary embodiment, the walls defining the voids can be made from other materials such as composites or polymer-based materials.

As will be described, weights can be redistributed to more desirable club head locations for improved performance. For example, in a centrally located gap and legs that extend outwardly toward the heel side and toe side rear, more weight is located in such areas. This gives a more desirable moment of inertia characteristic. In the design described herein, the moment of inertia (MOI) (Izz) about the longitudinal axis (z axis) through the center of gravity of the club head is about 1500 gm · cm ^{2 to} 5900 gm · It may be in the range of cm ^2. In an exemplary embodiment of a driver type golf club, the moment of inertia (Izz) about the longitudinal axis (z axis) through the center of gravity of the club head can range from about 3800 gm · cm ^{2 to} 5900 gm · cm ² , further exemplary In an embodiment, the Izz moment of inertia can range from 4300 gm · cm ^{2 to} 5200 gm · cm ² . In an exemplary embodiment of the fairway wood type golf club may be a moment of inertia (Izz) in the range of about 2000gm · cm ² ~3500gm · cm ² around the vertical axis through the center of gravity of the club head (z-axis), a further exemplary In a specific embodiment, the Izz moment of inertia can range from 2200 gm · cm ^{2 to} 3000 gm · cm ² . In an exemplary embodiment of the hybrid type golf clubs, it can be a moment of inertia (Izz) in the range of about 2000gm · cm ² ~3500gm · cm ² around the vertical axis through the center of gravity of the club head (z-axis), a further exemplary In embodiments, the Izz moment of inertia can range from 2200 gm · cm ^{2 to} 3000 gm · cm ² , and in further exemplary embodiments, the Izz moment of inertia can range from 1800 gm · cm ^{2 to} 2800 gm · cm ² . In certain embodiments utilizing an adjustable connection mechanism in the hosel, the Izz moment of inertia is between about 4400 gm · cm ^{2 and} 4700 gm · cm ² . These values can vary. With such moment of inertia characteristics, an improved ball distance can be realized at the center hit. Also, with such moment of inertia characteristics, the club head exhibits additional resistance to twisting during off-center hits, the distance lost is shortened, and ball variations are still reduced. Thus, a more tolerant club head design is realized. As a result, the golfer can be more confident in increasing the swing speed of the golf club.

  Furthermore, the center of gravity of the club head is placed where performance is improved. In the structure of the exemplary embodiment of a golf club head, the center of gravity is located outside the location of the club head gap and inside the club head internal cavity or volume. In certain exemplary embodiments, the center of gravity is located between the inner surface of the ball striking surface and the inner surface of the base support wall, or within the internal cavity.

  Furthermore, the golf club head geometry and structure provides improved acoustic properties. For example, in the crown, geometric weighting feature and internal support member construction as described above in FIGS. 29-44, the first natural frequency of the golf club head other than the six rigid body modes of the golf club head is 2750-3200 Hz. It was identified to be in the range. In a further exemplary embodiment, the first natural frequency of the golf club head is at least 3000 Hz. It has been found that golf club head structures that provide such frequencies below 2500 Hz tend to be uncomfortable to the user by providing an undesirable feel that includes sound and / or tactical feedback. The structure provided herein provides increased frequency at a more desirable level.

  Furthermore, the movable weight mechanism used herein provides further adjustability of moment of inertia characteristics and center of gravity characteristics by providing additional options for distributing weights. For example, embodiments described herein that provide a weight that is further movable toward the rear of the club head at the heel and toe can more easily provide a lofted golf shot. Further, by moving the weight further toward the front part of the club head, it is possible to give a more shot of a ball, for example, a shot desired under a relatively strong wind condition. Also, in certain embodiments, the weight can be placed closer to the golf club head crown or sole. Such movable weighting features provide further customization. Finally, an adjustable connection mechanism can be used on the club head to provide club head adjustability with respect to face angle, loft angle and / or lie angle. Such adjustable connection mechanisms are disclosed, for example, in US Patent Application Nos. 61 / 577,660 and 61 / 526,325, which are hereby incorporated by reference. Other adjustable mechanisms may be used. A further aspect utilizing the adjustable connection mechanism described above allows a golfer to adjust a golf club parameter, such as a golf club loft angle. Certain golfers desire a relatively low loft angle setting such as but not limited to 7.5 degrees, 8 degrees or 8.5 degrees, or even 9 degrees. Such a low loft angle setting can provide a relatively low ball spin upon ball collision. In order to place a relatively heavy weight low toward the sole of the golf club head, for example, a movable weight mechanism shown in FIGS. 17 to 20 may be used. This weighting configuration can provide increased ball spin at low loft angle settings. Certain other golfers may desire a relatively high loft setting such as but not limited to 11 degrees, 11.5 degrees, 12 degrees, or 12.5 degrees. Such a high loft angle setting can provide a relatively high ball spin upon ball collision. In order to place a relatively heavy weight higher toward the top of the golf club head, a movable weight mechanism may be utilized. This weighting configuration can provide reduced ball spin at high loft angle settings. For example, the additional movable weight mechanism shown in FIGS. 20A-20B is a combination of elevation and longitudinal weighting configurations to affect performance characteristics and provide specific desired launch conditions at specific loft angle settings. May give.

  Thus, while the basic novel features of the various aspects have been shown, described and pointed out, those skilled in the art will recognize that the forms and details of the apparatus illustrated and the various omissions, substitutions and modifications of their operation can It will be understood that this can be done without departing from the spirit and scope. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of elements and / or steps that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same result are within the scope of the invention. . Substitution of elements from one described embodiment to another is also fully contemplated and contemplated. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited only by the instructions.

Claims (79)

Golf club head, including:
A body defining a ball striking face and a boundary area proximate to a central region of the body, wherein the body extends a first leg extending away from the boundary area and a second leg extending away from the boundary area And a void defined between the first leg and the second leg, the body further defining a cover extending over the void.   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cover extends over the first leg and the second leg.   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cover is dimensioned such that the air gap is not visible at the address location.   2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the air gap is visible from a lower surface of the club head.   2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the cover is removably connected to the body.   2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the body is an integral piece.   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cover extends from near the ball striking face to the distal ends of the first leg and the second leg.   2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the cover completely covers the first leg, the second leg, and the gap.   9. A golf club head according to claim 8, wherein the cover defines a rear portion of the club head having the outermost periphery of the club head.   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the body defines a recess formed in an upper surface of the body, and a cover is received in the recess.   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the air gap is generally V-shaped.   2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the air gap extends across the body from the top of the body to the bottom of the body.   The body defines a rear and the void has a first width proximal to the boundary area and a second width proximal to the rear, the second width being greater than the first width; 2. The golf club head according to claim 1.   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first leg and the second leg gather toward each other at a boundary area of the body.   2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the body has a base member, the first leg extends away from the base member, and the second leg extends away from the base member.   The base member is proximate to the boundary area, the first leg extends outwardly from the boundary area, the second leg extends outwardly from the boundary area, and the gap is V-shaped. Golf club head.   2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the first leg portion and the second leg portion depend from the cover.   2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first leg has a plurality of first ridges extending along the first leg.   2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the second leg has a plurality of second ridges extending along the second leg.   The body further defines an internal cavity, the first leg has an inner surface, and the golf club head further includes a first gusset member positioned proximate to the inner surface of the first leg. The golf club head according to 1.   21. A golf club head according to claim 20, wherein the first gusset member has a first surface connected proximate to the inner surface of the first leg and a second surface connected on the inner surface of the sole.   22. The golf club head of claim 21, wherein the second leg has an inner surface and the golf club head further includes a second gusset member positioned proximate to the inner surface of the second leg.   23. A golf club head according to claim 22, wherein the second gusset member has a first surface connected proximate to the inner surface of the second leg and a second surface connected on the inner surface of the sole.   2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the club head defines a depth dimension and the boundary area is located in a range of 30% to 60% of the depth dimension measured from the ball striking face.   25. A golf club head according to claim 24, wherein the boundary area is located about 44% of the depth dimension measured from the ball striking face.   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the boundary area is located about 1.875 inches from the ball striking face.   2. The golf club head according to claim 1, further comprising a weight member movably supported by the first leg portion.   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the boundary area defines a housing therein and a weight member is placed on the housing.   The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a shaft coupled to the golf club head to form a golf club.   The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the body defines an internal cavity, and the center of gravity of the club head is located within the internal cavity of the club head.   The first leg defines a first outer surface, the second leg defines a second outer surface, and the first outer surface and the second outer surface are the first outer surface. The golf club head of claim 1, having a height proximal to the boundary area that is greater than a height at each distal end of the side and the second outer surface. Golf club head, including:
A body defining a ball striking surface and a crown, the body further comprising a first leg depending from the crown and a second leg depending from the crown; One leg extends away from the ball striking surface, the second leg extends away from the ball striking surface, and a gap is defined between the first leg and the second leg; The crown is sized to cover the first leg, the second leg, and the gap, the body defines an internal cavity, and the first leg has an inner surface; The body further comprising a first gusset member positioned proximate to the inner surface of the first leg. Golf club head, including:
A body defining a ball striking face, a crown and a rear, wherein the body defines a geometric weighting feature under the crown, the geometric weighting feature being generally V-shaped and proximate to the rear And a width of the geometric weighting feature that is greater than a width of the geometric weighting feature closer to the ball striking face.   34. A golf club head according to claim 33, wherein the geometric weighting features gather at a boundary area proximate to a central region of the body. Golf club head, including:
A body defining a ball striking surface, the body further comprising a first leg extending away from the ball striking surface and a second leg extending away from the ball striking surface, wherein a gap is the first leg. A body defined between the leg and the second leg, the body further including a cover extending over the gap; and one of the first leg and the second leg A first movable weight operably provided at a first position closer to the ball striking surface and a distal end of one of the first leg and the second leg A first movable weight that is movable between a second position adjacent to the first position.   A first movable weight has a slot therein, and one of the first leg and the second leg has an opening through which the fastener is received, the fastener being in the first 36. A golf club head according to claim 35, wherein the weight can be secured between the position and the second position.   36. A golf club head according to claim 35, wherein one of the first leg and the second leg defines a passage therein and a first movable weight is placed in the passage.   36. The first movable weight is movably supported on the first leg and further comprises a second movable weight movably supported on the second leg. Golf club head.   The first movable weight is movable between a first position closer to the ball striking surface and a second position proximate to the distal end of the first leg, and the second movable weight 38. The golf club head of claim 37, wherein the golf club head is movable between a first position closer to the ball striking face and a second position proximate to the distal end of the second leg.   The gap defined between the first leg and the second leg is generally V-shaped, the first leg extending toward the rear of the body proximate the heel, and the second leg 39. A golf club head according to claim 38, wherein the legs extend toward the rear of the body proximate to the toe.   A first movable weight is supported on the side of the first leg, a second movable weight is supported on the side of the second leg, and the first leg is 40. A golf club head according to claim 39, wherein a side faces the side of the second leg.   A first movable weight is supported on the first leg, and the golf club head further includes a second movable weight supported on the second leg, the first movable A weight having a first slot therein, the first leg having an opening for receiving the first fastener therethrough, the first fastener being movable in the first Placed in the first slot between a first position and a second position of a weight and movable along the first slot, the second movable weight being a second Having a slot therein, the second leg having an opening for receiving a second fastener therethrough, the first fastener being in a first position of the second movable weight; Placed in and between the second slot and movable along the second slot In it, the golf club head of claim 35, wherein.   The first leg defines a first passage therein, the second leg defines a second passage therein, and a first movable weight is placed in the first passage. 40. A golf club head according to claim 38, wherein a second movable weight is placed in the second passage. Golf club head, including:
A body defining a ball striking surface, the body further comprising a first leg extending away from the ball striking surface and a second leg extending away from the ball striking surface, wherein a gap is the first leg. A body defined between the second leg and the second leg, the body further comprising a cover extending over the gap, the body further comprising a track defined therein; and Weight member supported so as to be movable on the track.   44. A golf club head according to claim 43, wherein the track is defined on one of the first leg and the second leg.   45. A golf club head according to claim 44, wherein the body defines a boundary area generally between the first leg and the second leg, and a track is defined in the boundary area.   45. A golf club head according to claim 44, wherein the track includes a plurality of tracks, and the weight member is movably supported in each track.   The body defines an inclined surface extending from near the sole to near the crown, the track is positioned on the inclined surface, and the weight member is positioned between the position adjacent to the sole and the position adjacent to the crown. 45. A golf club head according to claim 44, wherein the golf club head is movable along Golf club head, including:
A golf club head body having a front, rear, top, sole, toe and heel;
A V-shaped gap formed in the rear portion of the golf club head body, extending from the rear portion of the golf club head body toward a central region of the golf club head body, and the center of the golf club head body A V-shaped gap having a width along the trailing edge of the golf club head body that is wider than a width in the region and extending from the sole of the golf club head body toward the top of the golf club head body; and An adjustable weight disposed within the V-shaped gap, the adjustable weight being capable of being placed in a first position providing a first weight arrangement and a second position providing a second weight arrangement weight.   49. A golf club head according to claim 48, wherein the adjustable weight is accessible via a V-shaped air gap.   A V-shaped gap defines a first leg and a second leg, and an adjustable weight defines a first weight on the first leg and a second weight on the second leg. 49. A golf club head according to claim 48, wherein the first weight is different from the second weight. Golf club head, including:
A body defining a ball striking surface, the body further comprising a first leg extending away from the ball striking surface and a second leg extending away from the ball striking surface, wherein a gap is the first leg. Defined by the first leg and the second leg, the body further defining a cover extending over the gap, the body defining a receptacle extending into the body, and a weight member comprising the weight member A body that is placed in a container.   52. A golf club head according to claim 51, wherein the housing has an internal thread and the weight member is a screwed member dimensioned to be screwed into the housing.   52. A golf club head according to claim 51, wherein the housing has a longitudinal axis and the weight member is housed by the housing along the longitudinal axis.   54. A golf club head according to claim 53, wherein the longitudinal axis is generally transverse to the ball striking face.   54. A golf club head according to claim 53, wherein the longitudinal axis is generally parallel to the ball striking surface.   54. A golf club head according to claim 53, wherein the longitudinal axis is located at an angle with respect to the ball striking face. Golf club head, including:
A body defining a ball striking surface, the body further comprising a first leg extending away from the ball striking surface and a second leg extending away from the ball striking surface, wherein a gap is the first leg. Defined between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the body further defines a boundary area proximate to the first leg and the second leg, the body over the gap. A body further comprising a cover extending to the weight; and a weight operably provided in the boundary area.   58. A golf club head according to claim 57, wherein the weight is movable between a first position providing a first weight arrangement and a second position providing a second weight arrangement.   58. A golf club head according to claim 57, wherein the weights are movable between a plurality of positions, each position providing a corresponding weight arrangement.   The weight includes a first weight and a second weight, each weight being movable between a first position providing a first weight arrangement and a second position providing a second weight arrangement. 58. A golf club head according to claim 57.   58. A golf club head according to claim 57, wherein the weight is movable between a first position closer to the cover and a second position remote from the cover.   58. A golf club head according to claim 57, wherein the body defines a receiving portion in the boundary area and a weight is received in the receiving portion.   63. A golf club head according to claim 62, wherein the housing includes a first housing tube, the tube having a closed end proximate the cover and an open end proximate the body sole.   64. A golf club head according to claim 63, wherein a weight is dimensioned to be received in the tube through an open end.   A weight has a first end and a second end, the first end is heavier than the second end, and the weight is located at the closed end 65. A golf club head according to claim 64, having a first position and a second position where the second end is located at the closed end.   66. A golf club head according to claim 65, wherein the weight includes a plurality of weight members releasably connected together.   68. A golf club head according to claim 66, wherein the weight members have different weight values.   The golf club head further includes a second receiving tube supported by the body, the second receiving tube having a closed end proximate the open end of the first receiving tube, the second receiving tube 65. A golf club head according to claim 64, wherein the tube further has an open end proximate to the rear of the club, and a second weight is received in the second receiving tube.   The second weight has a first end and a second end, the first end is heavier than the second end, and the second weight is the first end 69. has a first position located at the closed end of the second containment tube and a second position wherein the second end is located at the closed end of the second containment tube. Golf club head.   70. A golf club head according to claim 69, wherein the second weight includes a plurality of second weight members releasably connected together.   71. A golf club head according to claim 70, wherein the second weight members have different weight values.   The accommodating portion includes a first accommodating tube, the weight is placed in the accommodating tube through the opening end, and the screwed fastener is accommodated in the opening end so that the weight is surrounded in the first accommodating tube. 64. A golf club head according to claim 63.   64. A golf club head according to claim 63, wherein the receiving portion includes a first receiving tube located in the boundary area, and a portion of the first receiving tube is visible in the air gap.   74. A golf club head according to claim 73, wherein the first receiving tube has a window therein. Golf club head, including:
A golf club head body with front, rear, crown, sole, toe and heel;
A V-shaped gap formed in the rear portion of the golf club head body, extending from the rear portion of the golf club head body toward a central region of the golf club head body, and the center of the golf club head body A V-shaped gap having a width along the trailing edge of the golf club head body that is wider than a width in the region and extending from the sole of the golf club head toward the crown of the golf club head body; and the V An adjustable weight positioned proximate to the letter-shaped gap, the adjustable weight being capable of being placed in a first position providing a first weight arrangement and a second position providing a second weight arrangement weight.   76. A golf club head according to claim 75, wherein the adjustable weight is accessible through a V-shaped air gap.   A body defining a receiving tube positioned proximate to a central region of the golf club head, the receiving tube extending from near the crown of the golf club head to near the sole of the golf club head, and a weight extending from the receiving tube; 77. A golf club head according to claim 76, wherein   A weight having a first end and a second end, the first end being heavier than the second end, wherein the first end provides a first weight arrangement; 78. A golf club head according to claim 77, wherein the golf club head is positioned on the receiving tube proximate to the crown and the first end is positioned on the receiving tube proximate the sole to provide a second weight arrangement.

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